Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BEL AIR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 The Board of Commissioners Work Session Mee�ng was held on September 9, 2025, at 5:15 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 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 5:15 pm and read the roll call of commissioners. II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Chance mo�oned to approve the agenda. Commissioner Taylor seconded the mo�on. Chair E�ng asked for a vote on the agenda. Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5–0. IV. PRESENTATION A. Town of Bel Air Grants Review with Stephanie Zahn Ms. Zahn reviewed the importance of grants in Bel Air. She said the grants focus on community development, neighborhood revitaliza�on, and public safety. Ms. Zahn noted how much work goes into grants beyond the grant applica�on, including progress reports, financial reports, and reimbursement reports. She first discussed the Economic Development Department’s ac�ve grant. She said the town was awarded $18,000 from the Maryland State Arts Council for arts and entertainment opera�ng support and she listed the ini�a�ves the grant will support. 1  For the Planning Department’s ac�ve grants, the US Department of Transporta�on awarded the town $140,000 via the Safe Streets for All grant. Ms. Zahn explained the goals of this grant, the partnership with Havre de Grace and Aberdeen, and the $35,000 matching contribu�on from the three municipali�es. Ms. Zahn said there is also a Community Parks and Playgrounds grant through the Department of Natural Resources at $100,757. Ms. Zahn said this money has funded improvements to Plumtree and Homestead Parks and paid for addi�onal AEDs. The town provided a $50,000 match. Ms. Zahn moved on to pending grants for the Planning Department. She said that the town has requested $125,000 from the Dresher Founda�on for improvements to Alice Anne Park. Ms. Zahn said a second pending grant is via the Greater Bel Air Community Founda�on, also for improvements to Alice Anne Park in the amount of $25,000. The town and the Downtown Alliance will fund the remaining $25,000. Ms. Zahn next detailed the ac�ve grants for the Police Department. Through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Preven�on the department has received numerous grants. For State Aid Police Protec�on, Ms. Zahn said the department was awarded $264,209 for body armor. She noted that the town applies for this grant yearly. In addi�on, via this grant, $2,157 was awarded for Body Armor for Local Law Enforcement; $24,037 for the Community Grant Program Fund (the Explorers Post Program); $10,530 for Police Recruitment and Reten�on; and $52,739 for Police Accountability, Community, and Transparency. Ms. Zahn said the Office of Jus�ce Programs awarded the department $2,139 for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership. Ms. Zahn described how each of these awards will be used in the department. For the Public Works Department’s ac�ve grant, Ms. Zahn said the town was awarded a Community Development Block Grant through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for $53,984. She said this money will fund street paving in areas where low- and moderate-income persons reside. Ms. Zahn said the department’s pending grant is via the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, the Community Legacy Grant for $341,000. Ms. Zahn said this grant would fund the Bond Street Improvement Project with a $50,000 town match. Ms. Zahn reported on a pending grant in the Administra�on Department. She said it is via the Maryland Historical Trust, Maryland 250 Commission for the Municipal Ci�zens Academy in the amount of $1,000. Ms. Zahn said she is currently managing $738,000 in grant projects and there is $467,000 in pending grant applica�ons. She proudly said that in less than five years, she has brought in $3.2 million in grant funding. She noted that this work has been a collabora�ve team effort across all departments and the Downtown Alliance. Chair E�ng appreciated Ms. Zahn’s hard work and her success in making the town a great place to live. Commissioner Chance also expressed her apprecia�on and gra�tude for Ms. Zahn’s work. Commissioner Taylor said that monetarily, she is the single greatest investment in town considering the money and services she has provided without affec�ng the tax rate. Commissioner Chizmar expressed his apprecia�on and es�mated that Ms. Zahn has brought in approximately $600,000 per year. Ms. Zahn added that she is researching with the Public Works Department a grant opportunity for a solar canopy, which would be another $200,000 in funding. Commissioner Rutledge congratulated Ms. Zahn on her efforts and her ability to master many different subject maters. Ms. Robertson noted that the Ms. Zahn is also ac�vely involved in the work of the Economic Development Department. 2 B. Maryland American Water Company Mr. Hopkins introduced Laura Runkle, President, and Jeff Barton, Opera�ons Manager. Ms. Runkle began by summarizing the capital investments from 2019 through 2025, no�ng that these investments have been done without recovery since the last rate hike in 2019. She pointed out that the higher expenses for this year reflect the major upgrades at the Winters Run Water Treatment Plant. Mr. Barton provided detail on these capital projects beginning with Winters Run at a cost of $6,300,000. He explained the reasons and requirements for the UV installa�on. Mr. Barton then explained the office/lab/filter building improvements, a revamp of a large plan upgrade. He described the need for the onsite hypochlorite genera�on to get rid of chlorine gas and the hydraulic flushing system installa�on. Mr. Barton confirmed for Commissioner Chizmar that the UV installa�on and the hypochlorite genera�on are the “cost drivers” for these capital projects. Mr. Barton then discussed the high service pump pit repairs at a cost of $400,000 at Winters Run. He also explained the water main replacement projects throughout the town, which are included in the rate case. Mr. Barton discussed select streets, including South Main Street, Robinson Street, Roland Avenue, Wright Street, and Thomas/Archer Streets and their accompanying costs. He explained that the mains and valves were old and in need of replacement and that the company tried to do the projects in conjunc�on with repaving in town. Commissioner Chizmar asked about whether the rate increases from 2019 were budgeted for these capital improvements and repairs. Mr. Barton confirmed that there is capital money reserved for replacements, vehicles, and unscheduled mains. Commissioner Chizmar countered that the company is declaring that it needs to recoup $22.6 million since 2019, so he ques�oned why the rate increases were “so deficient.” Ms. Runkle said the company, as a state-regulated u�lity, cannot bank revenue for future projects; the company must spend money first and then ask the public service commission to recoup the money at a later �me. The company must demonstrate what it has spent and the commission will set new rates to recoup the investments. Ms. Runkle said when the new rates were set in 2019, they covered the new amount of investments. She said the system is not future-looking, rather it is retroac�ve and this is typical for regulated u�li�es. Ms. Runkle explained how the rate increases in 2019 retroac�vely funded the impoundment project and then explained how rates are calculated through deprecia�on. Commissioner Chizmar asked if the Advanced Treatment and Compliance Rider (ATCR) program and the Distribu�on System Infrastructure Charge (DSIC) program will be funded differently because the rate increase is designed to fund them now not retroac�vely. Ms. Runkle these are two new “mechanisms” that the company is asking the public service commission to consider. She said the pre-approval of investment projects minimizes rate shock for customers as well as the expense of pu�ng on rate cases. She said this request will allow the company to pe��on the commission every six months and the recoupment would be recovered through a small surcharge. Ms. Runkle stated that the ATCR mechanism would address new regulatory requirements from the EPA regarding forever chemicals. She said the compliance deadline to get this treatment equipment installed is 2029. She described the measures the company has taken so far to mi�gate the cost of this “massive investment,” including an applica�on for $8 million in funding to the Maryland Water Infrastructure Financing Associa�on. Commissioner Taylor asked about whether the ATCR mechanism would eliminate the need for rate cases or just slow the frequency. Ms. Runkle said it will not eliminate rate cases en�rely. She said neither 3 of the mechanisms are currently in the tariffs right now and she was unsure if the commission would authorize either one of them. She noted that the Na�onal Associa�on of Regulatory Commissioners does recommend these types of mechanisms as best prac�ces because they allow the company to recoup money in a �melier manner and eliminate rate shock. She said these mechanisms are only addressing certain investments so the need for rate cases will con�nue. Ms. Runkle listed the how the company has kept its opera�ng expenses below the rate of infla�on over the last decade. She then discussed lead service line inventory and referred to a map. She noted that no lead has been found in the town so far but said it is an ongoing project. Ms. Runkle then summarized the rate request. She said $22 million has been invested since the last rate request. She reported that the company is asking for an annual revenue increase of $3 million with $1.8 atributed to capital investments. She noted that these are only proposed rates and the commission will ul�mately set the rates to be in effect March 2026. Ms. Runkle described the proposed two-�ered rate structure that was devised to lessen the impact of the 47.5% increase on more vulnerable customers. She said the company determined that customers who use under 2,000 gallons will pay a lesser amount. Ms. Runkle explained that this �er system is used in other states and also encourages conserva�on. Chair E�ng asked how the company determined that the usage of less water equates with a household having a lower income. She noted that her household of two re�rees would naturally use less water than a family of four. Chair E�ng said that she is “vehemently” opposed to the �er system. She said a high water bill would result in conserva�on and she felt that people should pay for what they use. Ms. Runkle said she would follow up with the data that led to this two-�ered structure. She noted that the bill-to-income ra�o in town is around half a percent and with the proposed increase, the ra�o would s�ll be below I% of household income. The company’s goal is not to exceed 2% of household income. She said this calcula�on indicates that the company’s rates will s�ll be affordable. Chair E�ng said the company cannot determine the household of income of customers so she said the �ered structure is not a “fine enough tool to apply to everyone.” Commissioner Rutledge asked about the corporate culture of Maryland American Water. Ms. Runkle said the company is traded on the stock exchange and explained all holdings are in the parent company. Commissioner Rutledge reflected that the �er system seems like “a corporate culture that may want to engage in social engineering or social policy with regard to economics of different people.” He ques�oned whether that should be the role of a u�lity rather than a legisla�ve body. Ms. Runkle said this is the role of the public service commission, which is appointed by the governor. She noted that the company pays close aten�on the commission’s policy direc�ves but all decisions fall on the commission. Commissioner Rutledge countered that the commission would not be considering the �er system if the company had not requested it. Commissioner Rutledge and Ms. Runkle then entered into a ques�on-and-answer discussion regarding the �er system. She noted that there are three other subsidiaries that have �ered structures (not in Maryland). She said the �er system is not encouraged by the parent company but is based on the needs of the community and the regulatory body. She was unsure how long these �ered systems have been in existence. Commissioner Rutledge reflected that it seems like an economic social engineering tool. Ms. Runkle explained how the regulatory team devised the system a�er much research. She told Commissioner Rutledge that she will follow up with him regarding whether the proposed �ered structure is only in residen�al areas or if it is also in commercial areas. He felt the �ered system may 4 work beter in a commercial area. Commissioner Chizmar noted that the proposal indicates that the �ered structure is for residen�al customers only. Ms. Runkle said the company informs customers regarding a customer assistance program, which is an emergency grant with an income eligibility requirement. She told Commissioner Taylor that details like a cost-benefit analysis in the �ered structure will be li�gated by the public service commission. Commissioner Rutledge said the case was filed August 1 so there is an op�on to amend the filing. Ms. Runkle confirmed the case could be amended if there are errors. She said this issue is a policy discussion that will be considered by the Office of the People’s Counsel who are advocates for residen�al rate payers. She noted that all op�ons are considered for setlement discussions. Chair E�ng asked for data regarding who in town uses the most water and how many people get shut-off no�ces. Ms. Runkle agreed to provide that data. Ms. Runkle also provided informa�on on the Nexus acquisi�on. She said that in May the company acquired the Nexus Water Group’s water and wastewater systems in eight states, including areas in Harford County (Green Ridge/Green Ridge-Vista and Lakeside Vista). Ms. Runkle said this acquisi�on is not included in the rate case and the acquisi�on will be finalized in August 2026. She told Mr. Hopkins that at that �me Maryland American Water will assume opera�on of those facili�es. Ms. Runkle then explained to Commissioner Chizmar where the rate increases will be reflected on a customer’s bill if these increases are approved. She said it would be under new base rates. She also told Commissioner Chizmar that, depending on the investment, it can take between fi�y to one hundred years to recover the capital investments. She said this rate increase will not include the ATCR and the DSIC, which are separate rate increases, thus increasing customers’ bills even further. Ms. Runkle said these line items would be considered by the commission every six months and customers would have the charge as separate line item. Ms. Runkle then discussed li�ga�on with the PFAS manufacturers. She said some setlements have been reached while others are ongoing. Ms. Runkle said the company just filed a revised tariff to the public service commission with a proposal for how the setlement money, $124,000, should go back to the customers. She said the company has suggested a one-�me sur-credit of $24.00. She told Commissioner Chizmar that this is the simplest, most expedi�ous use of the money rather than holding it in a reserve fund for the upcoming ATCR project. Ms. Runkle confirmed for Mr. Kline that the company submited separate grant applica�ons for PFAS treatment at Bynum Well and Winters Run. So far, Ms. Runkle said recommenda�ons have been to approve only the Bynum Well project but a�er conversa�ons and review of data, she said she now believes the company will receive $5 million for the Bynum Well and around $3 million for Winters Run. She noted that the major priority is to install carbon treatment at Winters Run. She confirmed for Mr. Kline that a pre-conference hearing was held and the procedural schedule was set. V. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT Mr. Hopkins reported on the following items: 1. He said that Raising Cane’s will have a large grand opening on September 16. He commended the restaurant’s coopera�on with the Police Department to plan for the large crowds at the opening. He said there is a so� opening this Monday with invita�ons to the commissioners. 5  2. Mr. Hopkins said a planning mee�ng was held for Winter Wonderland. Donna Dickey is the new chair. Mr. Hopkins said the dates for the event are November 29, and December 6 and 13. He said the date of the actual fes�val is December 6 with the Christmas Parade. 3. Mr. Hopkins said the re-dedica�on of Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School is October 4. He said there will be no speakers, but the organizers would like a proclama�on and/or formal recogni�on from the town. 4. Mr. Hopkins said the newly planted trees on George Street are experiencing some stress from the heat but the Public Works Department is managing the situa�on with regular watering. 5. Mr. Hopkins said that outdoor tents and sea�ng/dining must be removed by September 30 and leters have been sent to Z Vault and Independent Brewing Company. 6. Mr. Hopkins turned to pedestrian safety. He said the HAWK System was not endorsed by SHA, primarily because approval of its use is data driven and the town does not have the required data. He then quoted from an email from an SHA engineer as follows: “In an effort to promote pedestrian safety they are recommending the installa�on of crossing-ahead pavement markings at both Maryland 924 lanes approaching the Independent Brewery crossing.” He said a work order is being prepared for winter 2025. Mr. Hopkins said this is a step in the right direc�on and will raise awareness. Chief Moore confirmed that installa�on of automated speed signs is s�ll in process. 7. Mr. Hopkins said that a�er a mee�ng with Chair E�ng and Commissioner Chizmar the topic of cannabis and setbacks has been moved up to earlier in the season and will be on the agenda in October. VI. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR TOWN MEETING (Monday, September 15, 2025, at 7:00 pm, Bel Air Town Hall) A. Presenta�on 1. Bel Air Police Department Promo�on of Bret Sperl to Officer First Class Chief Moore provided background on Officer First Class Sperl and said he is looking forward to honoring him and his promo�on. B. Public Hearing 1. Ordinance 846-25 Amending Ar�cles VII, XIV, and Atachment 1 of the Development Regula�ons in Chapter 165 of the Town of Bel Air Code to Establish a Use Category and Performance Standards for Short-Term Rentals and to Revise the Defini�ons of Short-Term Rental and Accessory Dwelling Unit Commissioners did not discuss this ordinance. C. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Ordinance 846-25 Amending Ar�cles VII, XIV, and Atachment 1 of the Development Regula�ons in Chapter 165 of the Town of Bel Air Code to Establish a Use Category and Performance Standards for Short-Term Rentals and to Revise the Defini�ons of Short-Term Rental and Accessory Dwelling Unit 6 D. NEW BUSINESS 1. Resolu�on 1258-25 Opioid Li�ga�on Setlement Authoriza�on for Seven Opioid Manufacturers: Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Sun, Viatris, and Zydus Chair E�ng said this topic will be discussed in closed session. 2. Interna�onal Full Size Dump Truck Purchase Mr. Kline said he will ask for approval to purchase a 2026 freight liner dump truck. He noted that it is a chassis-only purchase and will piggy-back on a Sourcewell contract with Freight Liner Western Star of Elkton. Mr. Kline said the cost will be $127,827. He said that the upfi�ng, like chains, plows, a salt bed, lights, the bed of the dump truck, and hydraulics is es�mated to cost $127,670. Mr. Kline said the cost will be $9,500 under budget if the procurement succeeds. He confirmed for Commissioner Chizmar that the truck is single axel and is replacing a dump truck used for snow removal. Mr. Kline said the goal is to get these trucks in produc�on as soon as possible. 3. Ford F550 Small Dump Truck Purchase Mr. Kline said he will ask for approval to purchase a small dump truck that is diesel and single axel. He said it is a smaller version of the truck outlined above and will be used for the town’s smaller streets. Mr. Kline said this purchase piggy-backs on a Bal�more County contract with Apple Ford. He said the chassis-only purchase will be $77,457.90. The upfi�ng for this truck will cost approximately $65,450. VII. COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORTS Chair E�ng said the Tree Commitee will be mee�ng tomorrow. Commissioner Taylor said that the Appearance & Beau�fica�on Commitee met last night. He said they discussed a prospec�ve member, award season, and Christmas prepara�ons. Mr. Kline said the commitee will be procuring flowers for next summer in October. Commissioner Rutledge said the Historic Preserva�on Commission (HPC) con�nues to work on their proposed legisla�on to modify the tax credit system to add a second �er. This �er would give a larger tax credit to those homeowners who seek to restore their houses to the original historic character. He said the dra� legisla�on has been reviewed and revised by Mr. Small and Ms. Bianca-Pruet. Commissioner Rutledge said that following the next HPC mee�ng on September 25, the legisla�on will be brought to the commissioners for discussion at the September 30 work session. He postulated that the legisla�on, if reviewed favorably by the commissioners, could be received at the October 6 town hall mee�ng for passage on October 20. In answer to Commissioner Chizmar, Mr. Small said the �er system right now is a 10% tax credit on any work done to preserve the structure and 5% if adding to the structure. Commissioner Taylor asked if it would be possible to project how much money the town would lose from this new �er system each year. Ms. Moody agreed to put together a chart detailing how much tax revenue the town has lost from the current HPC �er system over the last ten years. Commissioner Chizmar said the Planning Commission met last week and agreed to an extension for phase 2 of the mall project un�l January 2027. Mr. Small said the contractors project to break ground in the second quarter of 2026. 7  Commissioner Chance said the Rockfield Manor board will meet tomorrow to discuss opera�ons since the reopening. VIII. STAFFING UPDATE A. Review Term Expira�on Dates of Boards, Commitees, and Commissions Mr. Hopkins reported that the town has offered the laborer posi�on to a candidate. Ms. Moody said her office will start interviewing for the part-�me procurement officer but the pos�ng will remain on the website. IX. CALENDAR Chair E�ng noted that a work session is scheduled for Monday, November 10 because Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11. X. MISCELLANEOUS A. Discuss Neighborhood Traffic Management Program’s (NTMP) Proposed Speed Hump for the 500 Block of East Broadway Chair E�ng said she is sa�sfied with moving a vo�ng session un�l October as requested by the ci�zens. She said she has done research on other jurisdic�ons with NTMPs, including Howard and Montgomery Coun�es and Havre de Grace. She said the coun�es have legisla�on regarding NTMPs and she will contact Havre de Grace regarding its code provisions. Chair E�ng said she met with Mr. and Mrs. Sennet. She said they determined in the mee�ng that speed is not really the problem, rather the problem is too many cars on the road. Chair E�ng said she told Mr. and Mrs. Sennet that she does not agree with pushing traffic to other loca�ons and she was unsure where all the traffic could be coming from. Mr. and Mrs. Sennet said they spoke with homeowners at the other end of Broadway where there are speed humps, and they were told that the humps have significantly limited the traffic. Mrs. Sennet recommended pushing traffic to Route 22. Chair E�ng did not agree with this recommenda�on and felt having the other roads carry some of the heavy traffic on Route 22 is a “net plus.” She said public roads are for everyone and not just for people who live on them. Chair E�ng told Mr. Hopkins that she will respond to Ms. Lowery’s email. B. Town Development Code 165 Development and Performance Standards § 51 Discussion of Alloca�on of Town Resources Regarding Parking Commissioner Chizmar said this dra� ordinance is to ensure that the alloca�on of town resources is done by elected officials only. He specifically referred to the Hickory Flats project, which received a fi�een-year lease of the parking garage, poten�ally giving the project the op�on to subsidize town property for decades. Commissioner Chizmar said he met with Mr. Small, Ms. Thompson, and Mr. Hopkins regarding revisions to the development regula�ons. Commissioner Chizmar said that town parking is for businesses and visitors, whereas alloca�ng parking to residents gives them access to those spaces year-round. He said businesses can share spaces and have yearly or three-year leases. Commissioner Chizmar noted that those businesses that also have residen�al proper�es would be excluded, but the lease would be with the individual renter rather than the property manager. 8 Commissioner Chizmar said he does not want to discourage parking for businesses, customers, and employees. Commissioner Chizmar referred to the dra� ordinance and said the changes would be in the B2, B- 2A, and B-3A districts. He specifically referred to the wording under (c): “Any lease agreement for code required parking in the B2, B2-A, and B-3A districts that exceeds one year must be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners at a public hearing…” Ms. Thompson said that to avoid any allega�on of secular thinking, she removed references to non-residen�al so the commissioners must approve all requests for residen�al and non-residen�al. She noted that this ordinance is not retroac�ve. Ms. Thompson said many of the elements in the dra� have not changed (e.g., 500 feet limita�on for off-site parking). Mr. Small said the Planning Commission will look at design while the commissioners will look at viability and use of resources. Ms. Thompson said all decisions must be based on facts at that �me not public opinion and poli�cs. She said the commissioners are now taking on an administra�ve role so they are subject to different criteria. They are not ac�ng in a legisla�ve capacity. A contractor will present a case for parking to the commissioners and the town may provide backup data. Mr. Small said the solvency issue is addressed in (c). In answer to Commissioner Taylor, Mr. Small said the town has two long-term lease agreements, the one with Hickory Flats and a group home at 100 Courtland Avenue. Commissioner Taylor said he is not in favor of commi�ng public resources to private projects. Mr. Small noted that the code is not the mo�va�on for leasing parking spaces in the parking garage, rather it is a prac�cality issue. Chair E�ng said the concern is the difference between a short-term lease versus a fi�een-year lease. Ms. Thompson noted that it is an administra�ve hassle to do annual parking leases. Commissioner Taylor said annual parking leases are very different from the town authorizing public resources to make up for a shor�all in the code requirements for a proposed project. Commissioner Chizmar asked commissioners to review the ordinance and make comments. Mr. Small noted that by giving the commissioners the final say in this mater, they will have the ability to approve a project that may require involvement from the Board of Appeals for a variance. He pointed out that there could be some poten�al pi�alls. Ms. Thompson said a contractor could circumvent the commissioners and go to the Board of Appeals and get a variance. She also noted that it does not require a lot of factors to make a property unique. Ms. Thompson added that if the proposed project is something the town wants, the commissioners must adhere to the ordinance. Commissioner Taylor said they are not trying to design legisla�on that supports projects they want and do not want. Commissioner Chizmar added that this legisla�on also concerns mixed-use development and it is not meant to hinder commercial development. Mr. Small noted that mixed-use projects can use shared parking. C. Governor’s Office of Crime Preven�on and Policy (GOCPP) Police Accountability and Community Transparency (PACT) Grant Award – Purchase Extra Body Cameras Chief Moore said that in the past this grant money was used to purchase tasers, gym equipment, and translators on body cameras. He said that for transparency purposes, he is sharing with the commissioners that his department was no�fied in July that $38,888 would be used to purchase extra body-worn cameras. Chief Moore explained that currently officers all have one camera and a�er their tour of duty, they take their cameras to a docking sta�on for downloading. Chief Moore says the downloading is lengthy and officers must leave their cameras overnight. He said this presents a weakness because they do not have a body camera on going to and from their work. Chief Moore said it 9 is good policy to have the extra body camera. He said the addi�onal money from the grant will be used to fund the employee posi�on that audits the body camera footage. Ms. Moody added that the grant money will fund the cameras and the first year of licensure. Star�ng in FY27, the license costs are approximately $14,000 and will be an ongoing opera�ng expense every five years. She said that she is re�cent to use grant money for recurring opera�ng expenses but they felt this is an important project. Commissioners and Chief Moore expressed their apprecia�on and support for the use of body-worn cameras. XI. STAFF COMMENTS Ms. Robertson asked about her email to commissioners regarding an event in Havre de Grace on Thursday. Commissioners provided their confirma�ons on atendance. Ms. Thompson expressed her apprecia�on for Mr. Kline who appeared in circuit court today as a witness. She said he was very prepared and the town was successful in its case. She noted that the town was granted reimbursement of all costs—abatement costs, court costs, and atorney’s fees. XII. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS Chair E�ng thanked Ms. Robertson for the weekly business updates. Chair E�ng reminded commissioners that the Fes�val for the Arts is this Sunday. She said there will also be a Community Collec�on event on September 20. Chair E�ng congratulated Commissioner Chance on her birthday and re�rement from Jones Junc�on. Commissioner Chance expressed her apprecia�on and said she is trying to enjoy this �me in her life with family while s�ll being of service. Commissioner Taylor said that the proposed Ordinance 846-25 on parking should be 847-25. Ms. Robertson reminded commissioners that this weekend the Maryland Center for the Arts will sponsor the Harford Plein Air Fes�val in Bel Air and events and exhibits will run from Friday night through Sunday. Commissioner Chizmar mo�oned to move the mee�ng into closed session. Commissioner Chizmar read the reasons for the closed session as listed below. Commissioner Rutledge seconded the mo�on. Chair E�ng asked for roll call: Ayes: Commissioners Rutledge, Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 5–0. Chair E�ng said the mee�ng would not return to open session. The mee�ng closed at 7:36 pm. XIII. CLOSED SESSION A. This por�on of the mee�ng will be closed under the provisions of the Maryland Open Mee�ngs Act General Provisions Art. §3-305(b)(1)(7) and (8). B. Topics of Discussion: 1. To Discuss the Appointment of Officials to the Town Boards, Commissions, and Commitees 2. To Obtain Legal Advice Regarding the Proposed Opioid Setlement with Seven Opioid Manufacturers: Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Sun, Viatris, and Zydus 10 C. Reasons for Closed-Session Discussion of Above Topics 1. Because public discussion of candidates’ names, qualifica�ons, experience, and background could discourage people from volunteering for public service or compromise their privacy rights. 2. Because public discussion of confiden�al informa�on and legal strategies can compromise the atorney-client privilege and inhibit the ability of the public body to receive candid and uninhibited legal guidance. XIV. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Rutledge mo�oned to adjourn the mee�ng. Commissioner Taylor seconded the mo�on. All in favor. The mee�ng adjourned at 7:50 pm. APPROVED: October 6, 2025 Signature on file _____________ Paula S. E�ng, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file_____________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 11