Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BEL AIR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TOWN HALL MEETING December 16, 2024 The Board of Commissioners Town Hall Mee�ng was held on December 16, 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 7:02 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 26, 2024, open and closed sessions, and December 2, 2024, be approved as submited. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the mo�on. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the minutes of November 26, 2024, and December 2, 2024. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. 1 V. PRESENTATIONS A. Bel Air Police Department Promo�on of Hollie McCraghan to Officer First Class Chair E�ng detailed Officer McCraghan’s background in the Bel Air Police Department, her con�nuing educa�on, and her excellent record of 623 traffic stops and 31 criminal arrests. Chair E�ng said Officer McCraghan has an exemplary work ethic and a great dedica�on to public service. Chief Moore thanked the Bal�more County Police Department for the use of its academy to train Bel Air officers. He then thanked the academy for crea�ng such an excep�onal police officer. Chief Moore described Officer McCraghan’s ini�al recruitment to the force and her drive to succeed at the academy. He encouraged her to con�nue to move forward and finish her degree. Chief Moore congratulated Officer McCraghan and thanked her for keeping the town safe. B. Bel Air Police Department Apprecia�on of Corporal Kayhla Hendren Chair E�ng detailed Corporal Hendren’s extensive career in the Bel Air Police Department. This descrip�on included her �me as a police officer, her valiant recovery and return to duty from an accident, her �me as an inves�gator, and her promo�on to corporal, the first woman in the department’s history to achieve that rank. Chair E�ng also described Corporal Hendren’s work in the administra�ve sec�on of the department where she oversaw dispatch and the records division. Chair E�ng said that Corporal Hendren officially resigned as a police officer in July 2024 and then accepted a posi�on in dispatch as a police communica�ons operator. She noted how Corporal Hendren uses her experience as a police officer to enhance police opera�ons and ensure the safety of her colleagues. Chair E�ng thanked Corporal Hendren for her dedica�on and commitment to the police department and the Bel Air community. Chief Moore spoke in detail about the challenges Corporal Hendren has endured and how she confronted those challenges bravely. He said that the police department has benefited greatly from her transi�on to a civilian dispatcher. He said her confidence and experience-oriented voice brings calmness to officers on patrol. Chief Moore noted that although she may s�ll wish she were on patrol, she is contribu�ng to the department and to the Bel Air community in a posi�ve way. Chief Moore congratulated Corporal Hendren. C. The Greater Bel Air Community Founda�on Broumel Award Presenta�on to Phil Raub Commissioner Chance explained that this is an annual award, given to a member of the Harford County community who exemplifies the life and legacy of Tom Broumel. Commissioner Chance then described the many civic and regional accomplishments and contribu�ons of Mr. Broumel. She said this award recognizes individuals who have contributed to their community in the spirit of Mr. Broumel. She said that tonight the award will go to Phil Raub. Robert Kahoe, member of the Greater Bel Air Community Founda�on, introduced Mr. Raub and described his life and contribu�ons to Bel Air and the county at large. He said that Mr. Raub has lived in the Howard Park neighborhood his en�re life. Mr. Kahoe said that Mr. Raub exemplifies volunteerism and leadership in the town. He noted Mr. Raub’s �me as a town commissioner, his membership in the Lions Club, and his 30 years on the Planning Commission. 2  Mr. Raub said he was honored and humbled to receive this award. He said that Tom Broumel was his close friend and he described their �me working for the town and their friendship. He thanked his fellow Lions, the Planning Commission, and former commissioners. Mr. Raub said the award is very meaningful and he was pleased and grateful. Commissioner Chizmar congratulated Mr. Raub for his well-earned award. D. Town of Bel Air 150th Anniversary Time Capsule Sealing Ceremony and Recogni�ons Chair E�ng thanked everyone who helped to make Bel Air’s 150th anniversary successful, including the Bel Air 150 Commitee and Julia Potler. Chair E�ng stressed the importance of celebra�ng such a key moment in Bel Air’s history as a municipality. She appreciated the improved �me capsule. Chair E�ng detailed a brief history of Bel Air from its incep�on as the county seat in 1782 to a town with more than 10,000 people. She said that many aspects of the town have remained the same over the years, such as the con�nued importance of family, friendships, and community. Chair E�ng, Mr. Krantz, and Commissioner Taylor then presented cer�ficates of recogni�on to the people who helped with the 150th anniversary celebra�on. They included Nate Durrell (logo designer), Julia Potler (events manager who spearheaded the planning and prepara�on for the celebra�on’s events), Kimberly Blanton, Elise Gerard, Kellee Kalthof (Rockfield Founda�on), Peg Lucas, Chris Pots (historical society), David Anderson, Corporal Keith Smithson, Laura Bianca-Pruet, and Tyler Zeislo�. Chair E�ng thanked everyone and said she was honored to recognize them for their services. Commissioner Taylor said this is a special opportunity to celebrate 150 years of Bel Air. He said there are many important, famous buildings synonymous with the town but what really binds the town is its people and its culture of service. Commissioner Taylor said it is a privilege of a life�me to serve this community and work with the town staff. He said the past 150 years have been great and the next 150 years will be excellent. Chair E�ng and Vice Chair Chizmar conducted the official ceremonial locking of the town capsule, sealing it for the next fi�y years. VI. PUBLIC HEARING A. Resolu�on 1242-24 Town of Bel Air Fee Schedule Amendments Chair E�ng introduced Resolu�on 1242-24. There was no public comment and the hearing opened and closed at 7:47 pm. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Resolu�on 1242-24 Town of Bel Air Fee Schedule Amendments Commissioner Rutledge mo�oned that Resolu�on No. 1242-24, amending the Town of Bel Air’s fee schedule with an effec�ve date of January 1, 2025, be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chance seconded the mo�on. Mr. Krantz summarized this resolu�on. 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 3 development requirements, and an updated billing/construc�on management fee. Mr. Krantz said there are 22 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 includes such items as swimming pools and demoli�on. Mr. Krantz said the county’s fee changes will go into effect on January 1, 2025, and the town’ changes will also go into effect at that �me. Chair E�ng noted that many of these fee changes are “pass-throughs from Harford County” and if the town did not implement these adjustments, taxpayers would have to pay the difference. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on Resolu�on 1242-24 amending the Town of Bel Air fee schedule. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Ordinance 836-24 to Purchase Property Owned by Mt. Royal Management on South Atwood Road Commissioner Taylor mo�oned that Ordinance No. 836-24 approving the purchase of real property located at the intersec�on of S. Atwood Road and W. MacPhail Road be received by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the mo�on. Mr. Hopkins provided background on why the purchase of this land was needed. He said the construc�on of the new Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School enabled the nego�a�ons for the construc�on of an emergency access road from MacPhail Road to Route 924, used only by emergency responders and funded by the school system. As part of this project, the acquisi�on of a small parcel of property was needed to complete the road. Mr. Hopkins said Resolu�on 1235-24 approved the contract of purchase for this property from Wakefield Manor Associates, LLP c/o Mount Royal Management Company LLP. He said the land area is 16,334 square feet or 0.375 acres. Mr. Hopkins said the resolu�on did not contain specific informa�on describing the piece of property, which is needed to meet the requirements for setlement and purchase. He said a survey was conducted in late October 2024 and completed in December 2024. Mr. Hopkins said a public hearing is scheduled for January 14 as part of the work session. Commissioner Rutledge commented that this property is a crucial acquisi�on and an important step in the construc�on of a future road that will save lives. He noted that the property will not come back to the town at a later date at the same price. He thanked Mr. Hopkins and Ms. Thompson for their work on this purchase. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote to receive Ordinance 836-24, purchasing a parcel of land in the Wakefield Manor Apartment Complex for the purpose of crea�ng an emergency access road as part of the Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School project . Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. B. Ordinance 837-24 An Ordinance Amending Ar�cle VII, XIV, and Permited Use Tables of the Development Regula�ons as Related to Mixed-Use Centers in Chapter 165 of the Bel Air Town Code Commissioner Chizmar mo�oned that Ordinance No. 837-24 revising Town Code Chapter 165, Ar�cle VII, Performance Standards, XIV, Defini�ons, and Atachment 1, Permited Use Tables, related to mixed-use centers be received by the Board of Town Commissioners. Chair E�ng seconded the mo�on. 4  Mr. Small cited por�ons of the code that relate to this ordinance. He discussed issues that have come up regarding mixed-use development. These challenging issues include the ques�on of what limits would be appropriate for the land use alloca�on within a mixed-use center, what limita�on would the mix of uses provide for the density of residen�al, and what is the rela�onship to the land use designa�on in the comprehensive plan. Mr. Small said that a mixed-use proposal must adhere to the comprehensive plan so changes to the defini�on of mixed-use and changes to performance standards would address these issues and provide more flexibility to the town and the applicant. He noted that applicants could adjust the use limita�on by elabora�ng on the details of the project and proving to the Planning Commission that the project has exceeded the minimum standards. Commissioner Rutledge and Mr. Small entered into a lengthy ques�on and answer discussion. Mr. Small shared that the 50% threshold was established by the Planning Commission and it is possible to allow the developer to propose a percentage plan for the mixed use and have the Planning Commission make a decision. He said that the parameters in this ordinance are intended to create a stronger connec�on to the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Rutledge said he was concerned about legisla�on that does not recognize the economic reali�es that are occurring na�onwide over vacant commercial spaces and the need for residen�al spaces. Mr. Small said there is leniency and the commissioners could elect to change the percentage, e.g., reducing it to 40%. He said that mixed use must have a mutual rela�onship between residen�al and commercial, especially with parking. If the percentage of shared parking spaces is unequal, the rela�onship falters. Commissioner Rutledge asked if the Economic Development Commission (ECDC) has been consulted on this ordinance. Mr. Small said no. Commissioner Taylor said the ECDC has not met since November and this ordinance is on the mee�ng agenda for January 9. Commissioner Rutledge con�nued with ques�ons and answers with Mr. Small. Mr. Small clarified a change in ameni�es in the defini�on of mixed use. He listed the zones that will permit a mixed-use center under the ordinance so as to match performance standards. He discussed the elimina�on of a discrepancy so that mixed use is now permited in the R-O zone. He confirmed that mixed use is not permited in the R1, 2, or 3 zones. Mr. Small explained residen�al mixed-use and service mixed-use were in two categories although there is no difference. Commissioner Rutledge asked about Sec�on 1, shared parking. Mr. Small explained how shared parking works in a mixed-use development, crea�ng an economy of use. He noted that the Harford Mall project does not have shared parking, rather there will be a parking garage for residents only. Mr. Small said that the Planning Commission has leeway in this area regarding special development. He also said that commissioners can address any language changes in this ordinance. Chair E�ng noted that the work session on January 14 would be the �me to work on this ordinance. Commissioner Taylor asked about Sec�on 2b and the lowering of the 50% threshold. Mr. Small explained how the Planning Commission will determine these parameters through “excellence of design consistency.” He explained for Commissioner Taylor that the only zoning category that could permit more than 50% residen�al would be the R-O district or a district where the underlying land use designa�on indicates residen�al. Mr. Small explained the reasoning for having “residen�al service” and not “residen�al commercial”—he indicated a need for connec�on between the service category, permited use tables, and performance standards. Mr. Small explained for Commissioner Taylor any excep�ons to lower the 50% threshold must show that this development excep�on provides for a community need. He explained how the comprehensive plan is used to require ameni�es and recrea�on from developers. 5  Mr. Small discussed the �ming of this ordinance. He said that it is on the January 2 mee�ng agenda for the Planning Commission. He explained for Commissioner Chizmar that the Planning Commission determines how and if the four criteria for excep�on are met. He said that the loca�on of the project may leave some la�tude. He told Commissioner Chance that this informa�on will go out to the Planning Commission on Thursday. He said they will review it and possibly vote on it on January 2. Commissioner Chance asked about public input, aside from atending the Planning Commission. Mr. Small said the public can comment on the bill at the town hall mee�ng on January 21. Commissioner Rutledge recalled how the recent bill for modifica�ons to open space was processed in that it went to the Planning Commission for review before it was dra�ed. Commissioner Chizmar said the commissioners can amend this bill on January 21 based on feedback from the work session, the ECDC, and the Planning Commission. Commissioner Taylor was concerned about having only one mee�ng to discuss this legisla�on. Chair E�ng said that the town has been opera�ng without a complete defini�on of mixed use. She stressed that the town s�ll needs commercial areas and this bill gives the Planning Commission guidance and specifics. 1. Public Comments Peg Lucas, 516 Robinson Street, Bel Air, was concerned that there was nothing on the recent work session agenda regarding this bill. She was also concerned with the speed at which it was processed and the lack of informa�on to the public. She asked about when there would be public input. Chair E�ng noted that the public can provide input any�me, and specifically on January 21. Commissioner Rutledge said he would not like to receive this ordinance tonight but rather work through it at the next work session with the feedback from the Planning Commission. He said then the bill could be introduced. Commissioner Chance agreed with his posi�on. She said she was only made aware of this bill last week and the public also deserves more �me. She said it should officially be put on a work session agenda. Commissioner Taylor suggested that it would be prudent to lay the mo�on to receive on the table and pick it back up at the next town hall mee�ng a�er its review. He noted that this mo�on would not vote down the legisla�on. Commissioner Chizmar countered that there will s�ll be a work session for discussion on January 14, they can make amendments, and they have 60 days. He did not think they were skipping any processes because both commitee mee�ngs are before January 14. He did not think the bill sequence outlined by Commissioner Rutledge is applicable in this situa�on. Commissioner Taylor felt differently. He asked if they want 30 days a�er the work session or 60 days a�er the work session to complete this legisla�on. He said the bill would expire in mid-February or mid- March based on their decision tonight. He agreed that this legisla�on is important and there are very good changes proposed for a stronger defini�on of mixed use. He said it would benefit the town to table this mo�on now, take it back up in January, and then formally introduce it, giving themselves more �me to review. Commissioner Chance agreed, especially with respect to the Planning Commission and the ECDC. Commissioner Taylor made a mo�on to lay receipt of Ordinance 837-24 on the table. Commissioner Rutledge seconded the mo�on. Ms. Thompson suggested a closed session on January 14 to address the legal issues. 6  Mr. Krantz asked for a vote to lay receipt of Ordinance 837-24 on the table. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Taylor, Chance. Nays: Commissioners Chizmar, E�ng. Mo�on carried 3 yeas-2 nays. C. Ordinance 838-24 An Ordinance Amending Ar�cle III, X, and Lot Requirements Tables of the Development Regula�ons as Related to Density Limits in Chapter 165 of the Bel Air Town Code Commissioner Chizmar mo�oned that Ordinance No. 838-24 revising Town Code, Chapter 165, Ar�cle III, Zoning Districts, Ar�cle X, Accessory Uses and the Table of Lot Requirements related to density be received by the Board of Town Commissioners. Chair E�ng seconded the mo�on. Mr. Small provided historical background. He said that the B-2, B-2A, and B-3A districts were revised under form-based code in 2010. Mr. Small provided a defini�on of form-based code, declaring that it priori�zes how development looks and func�ons rather than what uses are allowed. He said that as part of these changes, density limits were removed from these districts in favor of architectural and engineering design standards and have not been reinstated over the ensuing years. Mr. Small said this proposed ordinance will apply density limita�ons similar to those in the R-3, R-O, and B-1 districts. Mr. Small confirmed for Commissioner Rutledge that this ordinance was not reviewed by the Planning Commission before its introduc�on. He confirmed for Commissioner Rutledge that there are also density changes that are proposed for the R-3, R-O, and B-1 districts—those that already have density limits. Specifically, Commissioner Rutledge ques�oned the increase in lot area (60,000 square feet) for townhouses. Mr. Small explained that this measure is to prevent a developer from buying a single-family lot and erec�ng townhouses in a neighborhood not designed for such housing. Commissioner Rutledge debated whether it is prudent to remove such an allowance when residen�al housing is so limited in the country right now. Mr. Small said a townhouse development is best in a townhouse community not a single-family-house community. He noted that townhouse developments that are on smaller lots in town tend to be “ill-taken care of” due to their HOAs’ limita�ons. Commissioner Rutledge said that townhouses are historically the entryway for home ownership and ques�oned these proposed restric�ons. Mr. Small confirmed for Commissioner Taylor that 34 townhouse units would need to be developed under these proposed parameters. Commissioner Taylor said he sympathized with Mr. Small’s concerns and Commissioner Rutledge’s concerns. He said he would like to encourage home ownership, yet he could not visualize anywhere in Bel Air that could fit 34 townhouses and felt 60,000 square feet may be too high. Mr. Small explained for Commissioner Rutledge why the maximum density went from 14 to 10 per acre for semi-detached dwellings in the R-3 district. He stated that that type of dwelling is essen�ally the same as a two-family dwelling thus the density is not much different. He explained for Commissioner Rutledge that changes were made in the R-O and B-1 districts for the same reasons. He also said that he would review the defini�ons of these dwellings for the commissioners in order to clarify the density change. Mr. Small explained the changes in the B-2 district for Commissioner Rutledge and assured him that the setback requirements s�ll exist. He noted that density restric�ons are now being proposed and explained why there is no minimum lot area requirement in this district (due to its smaller-lot make-up). 7 He told Commissioner Rutledge that in the B-2A district, mul�-family dwellings could be condominiums that would be sold or rented. Commissioner Rutledge asked if the new parameters—60,000 square foot minimum lot size and the 20 units per acre limit—would affect projects currently underway. Mr. Small said that the Hickory Flats project would not fit under these new parameters but the project has an exemp�on under this bill. Commissioner Chizmar confirmed that with both bills he would strip out exemp�ons because they would be non-conforming uses. Commissioner Taylor asked how many non- conforming uses there would be if this legisla�on passed. Mr. Small replied that he was unsure and did not yet have the �me to see what areas would be affected. He noted that under a cursory search, he found several that would be non-conforming, par�cularly in B-2. Commissioner Chizmar said the commissioners should closely examine B-2. Mr. Small confirmed for Commissioner Rutledge that the changes in B-3A are similar to those discussed above and no approved projects in this district would be affected by this legisla�on. Commissioner Taylor discussed with Mr. Small the use of “stories” in mul�-family dwellings. Mr. Small said he is not in favor of this term and tried to eliminate its usage. He told Commissioner Rutledge that “stories” stayed in use in the B-3 district because the form-based codes were not applied in this area. He suspected they were not used because this district is outside the tradi�onal areas of town and did not need architectural design protec�on. He confirmed for Commissioner Taylor that the new parameters would not affect height or stories in this district. Commissioner Taylor felt this ordinance needed more discussion, and Commissioner Chance agreed. Commissioner Chance said she would like a work session on the subject mater with input from the ECDC, the Planning Commission, and the public. 1. Public Comments Peg Lucas, 516 Robinson Street, Bel Air, reiterated her argument from the previous ordinance. She said this ordinance was introduced very quickly and appears to be an atempt to prevent development projects proceeding—projects that were addressed and approved by the Planning Commission. She expressed her disappointment and asked the commissioners to give these ordinances more thought. Commissioner Taylor made a mo�on to lay receipt of Ordinance 838-24 on the table. Commissioner Chance seconded the mo�on. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote to lay receipt of Ordinance 838-24 on the table. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Taylor, Chance. Nays: Commissioners Chizmar, E�ng. Mo�on carried 3 yeas-2 nays. D. Resolu�on 1243-24 Request Approval of Complete Streets Leadership Academy (CSLA) Improvements Commissioner Taylor mo�oned that Resolu�on No. 1243-24 reques�ng Maryland Department of Transporta�on close the le� turn from southbound Main Street to eastbound Gordon Street in Bel Air be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chance seconded the mo�on. Mr. Small provided background on this resolu�on. He said the town partnered with Smart Growth America and the Maryland Department of Transporta�on to promote safe pedestrian and bicycle movement and reduce vehicle conflicts. He said that the partnership was coordinated by the Complete Streets Leadership Academy, which aided in implemen�ng temporary improvements to the intersec�on of Gordon, Main, and Bond Streets, including closing the le� turn lane from Main Street to Gordon Street. Mr. Small said most of the temporary improvements have been removed except for the flex posts 8 that s�ll block the le� turn. He said that public response to the removal of the turn has indicated that the turn is not a priority for efficient traffic movement. Mr. Small said removal of the turn and replacement with a landscaped median would result in less confusion for motorists and a safer environment for pedestrians. Commissioner Taylor noted that it is uncommon for a town board to make changes to traffic paterns but he felt this was a worthy change and the intersec�on will be significantly safer. Mr. Small told Commissioner Chizmar that this resolu�on would go to the state highway authority and he was hopeful that, because of the authority’s expressed interest in this project, approval would proceed quicker than usual. Mr. Small also said that he will iden�fy another target intersec�on to improve this spring. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote to approve Resolu�on 1243-24 . Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. E. Thomas Street Phase III Complete George Street Project Contract Commissioner Rutledge mo�oned 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 Phase III of the Thomas Street Road Improvements Project in accordance with all contract specifica�ons and plans for the amount of $217,750.00 be accepted by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Taylor seconded the mo�on. Mr. Kline detailed the Thomas and George Streets enhancement project designed to revitalize that sec�on of town. He said work has already begun on Thomas Street and this contract will be for work on George Street. He said funding is from ARPA. Mr. Kline said work will include installa�on of new curbs and guters on both sides, handicapped ramps at intersec�ons, and a sidewalk along the south side of the street. The project will also include the milling and resurfacing of George Street with accessible parking. Mr. Kline said the lowest bid was from Ivy Hill Nursery Co., Inc. Chair E�ng said their price was significantly lower than the other bidders. Mr. Kline agreed and said he talked to the company and was assured that their numbers were adequate to do the job correctly. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the award of contract for the Thomas Street revitaliza�on improvements Phase III. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. F. Reappointment to the Cultural Arts Commission 1. Margaret S. Lucas Commissioner Chance mo�oned that the appointment of Margaret S. Lucas to the Bel Air Cultural Arts Commission for a term of three years, effec�ve immediately, be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Taylor seconded the mo�on. Commissioners commended Ms. Lucas’s work. 9  Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the appointment of Peg Lucas to the Cultural Arts Commission. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5-0. G. Appointment to the Board of Appeals 1. Lisa Sparr Commissioner Rutledge mo�oned that the appointment of Lisa Sparr to the Bel Air Board of Appeals for a term of three years, effec�ve immediately, be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chance seconded the mo�on. Commissioner Taylor said he was impressed by her resume and her industry knowledge. He said he has met Ms. Sparr in professional se�ngs and believed that she will provide a beneficial perspec�ve and will be an excellent addi�on to the Board of Appeals. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the appointment of Lisa Sparr to the Board of Appeals. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Abstain: Commissioner Chizmar. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 4 yeas-1 absten�on. H. Appointment to the Board of Appeals, as Alternate 1. Gregory Adolph, as Alternate Commissioner Chizmar asked about the proper terminology for this mo�on. Chair E�ng said she reviewed the town code and state law and neither one specifies that the alternate serves a term of three years. She said that Ms. Thompson informed her that in the atorney general’s opinion, it should be stated as a “term of three years.” Commissioner Chizmar mo�oned that the appointment of Gregory Adolph to the Bel Air Board of Appeals as an alternate, for a term of three years, effec�ve immediately, be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Rutledge seconded the mo�on. Commissioner Chizmar said he was confident that Mr. Adolph will be a good alternate based on his many years of service on the board. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote for the appointment of Gregory Adolph to the Board of Appeals as an alternate. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5- 0. IX. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS All Town of Bel Air offices will be closed on December 25 and December 26 in observance of the Christmas holiday. The final Belle Aire Holiday Market of 2024 hosted by the Bel Air Downtown Alliance will be on December 21. The Bel Air Farmers’ Market will wrap up its season on December 21. In the new year, the Starving Ar�sts Art Show and Sale will be on January 5 in the Harford Ar�sts Gallery in the Armory Marketplace. The exhibit will run through March 2. The Town of Bel Air Municipal Ci�zens Academy will start January 29 with gradua�on on March 17. It is a free, seven-week program for Bel Air residents to learn about municipal government and it includes presenta�ons on how the town serves its residents. Mr. Krantz added that informa�on and an applica�on will soon be posted online. He said there is room for only 20 par�cipants. 10  Town offices are closed January 1. The Planning Commission will meet on January 2. The Tree Commitee will meet on January 8. The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session on January 14 and a town hall mee�ng on January 21. The town hall mee�ng scheduled for January 6 has been cancelled. Mr. Small said that the Harford’s Harvest Winter Market will be held in January, February, and March on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month in the same loca�on as the Farmers’ Market. Mr. Hopkins noted that the work session on January 14 will have a public hearing and vote on Resolu�on 836-24. X. PUBLIC COMMENTS There was no public comment. XI. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS Commissioner Rutledge thanked Mr. Small for answering all his ques�ons and said he appreciated Mr. Small’s frank answers and exper�se. He thanked the town staff and wished everyone an excellent Christmas season. Commissioner Taylor thanked Commissioner Chizmar for pu�ng the legisla�on forward and for his colleagues engaging in this cri�cal conversa�on. He noted that policy proposals are put forward with the best interests of the town in mind. Chair E�ng and Commissioner Chance wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Commissioner Chance thanked town staff for all the �me and energy they put toward their jobs. XII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Chance mo�oned to adjourn the mee�ng. Commissioner Rutledge seconded the mo�on. All in favor. The mee�ng adjourned at 9:31 pm. APPROVED: January 21, 2025 Signature on file _____________ Paula S. E�ng, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file_____________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 11