Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BEL AIR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TOWN HALL MEETING NOVEMBER 3, 2025 The Board of Commissioners Town Hall Mee�ng was held on November 3, 2025, at 7:00 pm. PRESENT: Commissioner Paula S. Etting, Chair Commissioner Mary F. Chance 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 ABSENT: Commissioner Steven T. Chizmar 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 ALLEGIANCE III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Chance mo�oned to approve the agenda. Commissioner Taylor seconded the mo�on. Commissioner Taylor asked to amend the agenda to move item VI. D. 1. to between items V. B. and V. C. so that it occurs before the awards presenta�on. Chair E�ng seconded the mo�on. Chair E�ng asked for a vote on the amendment to the agenda. Ayes: Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 3–0. Chair E�ng asked for a vote on the agenda as amended. Ayes: Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 3–0. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Taylor mo�oned that the minutes of the Board of Commissioners mee�ngs held on October 14, 2025, open and closed sessions, and October 20, 2025, be approved as submited. Commissioner Chance seconded the mo�on. Chair E�ng asked for a vote on the approval of the minutes for October 14 and October 20, 2025. Ayes: Commissioners Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 3–0. 1 V. PRESENTATIONS A. United Way of Central Maryland Cer�ficate of Recogni�on upon Their 100th Anniversary Chair E�ng introduced Elizabeth Acosta, Associate Vice President of Governance, and Angela Rose, Harford County Regional Board Chair. Chair E�ng described the mission of the United Way of Central Maryland declaring that it serves residents of the Greater Bal�more area. She said the organiza�on provides an array of services, including the 211 Helpline, and helping people advance their careers, overcome challenges, tackle hunger, and treat their mental health issues. United Way also supports veterans and works to strengthen neighborhoods all through volunteerism and dona�ons. Chair E�ng read the cer�ficate, which expressed apprecia�on for United Way’s dedica�on to the community for over a century by providing people in the region with pathways to economic advancement, access to educa�on, and housing resources to grow and thrive. Chair E�ng congratulated the United Way of Central Maryland. B. Cer�ficate of Apprecia�on to Patricia “Pa�” Parker Chair E�ng read the cer�ficate of apprecia�on, which detailed Ms. Parker’s excep�onal dedica�on and service to the town through planning numerous community ini�a�ves. In par�cular, the cer�ficate highlighted Ms. Parker’s work in building Winter Wonderland into a cherished town tradi�on. Chair E�ng said Ms. Parker is an inspira�on and, on behalf of the board, she expressed her apprecia�on and admira�on for Ms. Parker’s outstanding community service and las�ng contribu�ons to Bel Air. Ms. Parker emphasized how volunteers do so much work to make events happen and encouraged others to volunteer. C. Appointment to the Appearance and Beau�fica�on Commitee 1. Amanda Berry Commissioner Taylor said he wanted to make this appointment now while Ms. Berry was in atendance. Commissioner Taylor mo�oned that the appointment of Amanda Berry to the Bel Air 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 that he has met Ms. Berry, who atended the past two ABC mee�ngs and received the commitee’s endorsement. He said Ms. Berry will fill out the ninth slot on the commitee. He noted that Ms. Berry resides on Robinson Street and has the �me, energy, and knowledge to contribute to the commitee. Commissioner Taylor said he is proud to recommend Ms. Berry. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the appointment of Amanda Berry to the Appearance and Beau�fica�on Commitee. Ayes: Commissioners Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 3–0. D. Appearance and Beau�fica�on Commitee Awards Kristy Sudbrink, ABC Awards Chair, described how these awards encourage efforts and ac�vi�es that beau�fy the town. She noted that the awards highlight how residents care for their proper�es thus 2 providing pleasure to residents, businesses, and visitors. Ms. Sudbrink said her hope is that these awards will inspire other residents to enhance their proper�es. The first Appearance and Beau�fica�on Phoenix Award 2025 went to Tim, Tara, Evy, Ada, and Sylvi Flotemesch at 163 Williams Street. Ms. Sudbrink described how the Flotemesches transformed their house, garage, and garden, a full family effort. Commissioner Chance related that this was the house she first lived in when she moved to Bel Air in 1968. She expressed how beau�ful the house now looks. The second Appearance and Beau�fica�on Phoenix Award 2025 went to 30 E. Broadway, the 1893 Baker House and adjacent apartments under the care of The Standard on Bond, LLC. Ms. Sudbrink recognized Wayne Goddard, Developer, and Ron Crawford, Project Manager. She noted that these renova�ons were a tremendous effort that required a complete do-over. The work included renova�on of the founda�on, repair of broken windows, managing a dangerous tree, working on ground that was not level, and handling significant interior damage. Ms. Sudbrink said the apartments needed sidewalks and parking had to be constructed for the Baker House. She noted that the completed work includes cra�sman-like improvements on the interior and exterior of the house and apartments, along with beau�ful landscaping. She commented that they turned an “eyesore in the center of town” into something that is a “lovely gi�” to residents, businesses, and visitors. The Appearance and Beau�fica�on Residence Award 2025 went to Steve Hollens at 107 Roland Place. Ms. Sudbrink noted that Mr. Hollens maintains a lovely home but his stunning gardens are an atrac�on for the neighborhood and visitors alike, par�cularly because of his loca�on nearby a walking path. Commissioner Chance commented that Mr. Hollens’ house is located near her family, and as a regular visitor, she greatly appreciates his lovely lawn and plan�ngs. Commissioner Taylor seconded Commissioner Chance’s comments, no�ng that he lived in this neighborhood for many years and thanked Mr. Hollens for making that end of the town so beau�ful. The Appearance and Beau�fica�on Business Award 2025 went to Independent Brewing Company (IBC) at 418 N. Main Street, Sols�ce, LLC—Phil Rhudy, Harry O’Neill, Josh Nelson, Pat Wesdock, James Klarman, and Donald “Skip” Carver. Ms. Sudbrink said IBC is now considered a landmark in town. She noted how Mr. Rudy though�ully designed the building, using an industrial style and numerous windows. Ms. Sudbrink highlighted IBC’s unique logo and the carefully planned gardens. Mr. Rudy thanked ABC for the award. He expressed his love for the town and his desire to change the north end of town beginning in 2015 with the development of IBC and the Ma & Pa Trail. Mr. Rudy said, “economics will make the change” and noted the long struggle to really see growth in the town. He par�cularly recognized Wayne Goddard and his company and their efforts to transform and grow the town. Mr. Rudy noted that the town “is only as strong as its density” and is currently a low-density town with single-family homes. He stressed the need to have an infill of residen�al high-end units, as Mr. Goddard is building, and said everything Mr. Goddard has done has brought economics to the town. Mr. Rudy said economics are the driver to sustainability for businesses. He said he appreciates the award, but noted that Mr. Goddard has taken the town “to another level” and he is proud to be a part of this growth. E. Municipal Government Works Month Proclama�on Chair E�ng read the proclama�on, no�ng that municipal government represents the most responsive form of government. She read that this month is an effort to educate ci�zens and promote 3 awareness about municipal government. She stated that municipali�es have enhanced the quality of life for all their respec�ve ci�zens. Chair E�ng declared November as Municipal Government Works Month. Mr. Krantz accepted the proclama�on. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. On-Call U�lity Repair Service Contract Commissioner Chance mo�oned that the unit price bids submited by Site Services, T. N. Masonry, and Deano’s Excava�ng under Town of Bel Air Contract DPW No. 100925 for On-Call U�lity Repair Services be u�lized by the town to perform maintenance and repairs to the town sanitary sewer, storm drainage systems, and other infrastructure be accepted by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Taylor seconded the mo�on. Mr. Kline explained that the town’s sanitary sewer, storm drainage, and infrastructure systems occasionally require emergency maintenance and repairs. He said that by establishing on-call contract pricing with these contractors, the town can begin repairs promptly thereby legally bypassing the procurement policy and minimizing disrup�on to public services. Mr. Kline said he received four bids for the contracts. He said there is funding for these emergency repairs in the Sanitary Sewer Enterprise Fund and the Streets Budget. Mr. Kline expressed his confidence in these contractors and noted that each contract is limited to a maximum of $100,000. Chair E�ng asked for a vote on the award of contract for on-call u�lity repair services. Ayes: Commissioners Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 3–0. B. Remove and Replace Fuel Pedestals and Pumps Contract Commissioner Taylor mo�oned that the bid of Spigler Petroleum Equipment, LLC, 1280 Landing Lane, Westminster, MD, in the amount of $48,000.00 to remove the exis�ng fuel pump system and install a new Islander Prime commercial fueling system with two new fuel dispensers be accepted by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chance seconded the mo�on. Mr. Kline said the exis�ng gas and diesel pumps and computerized fuel management system were installed in 2014. He said these pumps are used daily to fuel the public works and administra�on fleet. Mr. Kline said the pumps are star�ng to fail and replacement parts are no longer available. He said complete replacement is the only viable op�on. Mr. Kline said the new Islander Prime fueling system will connect to the town’s exis�ng fuel storage tanks and supply piping. The contract includes two new fuel dispensers. The new fueling system will integrate with the town’s exis�ng computerized fuel management system. Mr. Kline said bids were solicited and Spigler Petroleum Equipment, LLC submited the lowest bid at $48,000 to perform the complete removal, installa�on, and commissioning of the new system, which will also include system startup and staff training. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the award of contract for the new fuel dispensing system for the Public Works Department. Ayes: Commissioners Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 3–0. 4 C. Video Camera Surveillance System Contract Commissioner Chance mo�oned that the Board of Town Commissioners approve the purchase of Verkada public safety surveillance equipment, which will be installed by Infini� Technologies, located in Rosedale, MD, in the amount of $165,004.44 for deployment throughout the Town of Bel Air. Commissioner Taylor seconded the mo�on. Chief Moore said the town is seeking to enhance its public safety surveillance infrastructure through the purchase and installa�on of the Verkada camera system. He said this system will modernize the town’s current system through the use of high-resolu�on cameras, cloud-based video analy�cs, and real- �me monitoring capabili�es and solu�ons. Chief Moore explained how the town’s exis�ng system lacks clarity, coverage, and AI-based features. He then listed the proposed upgrades and benefits from the Verkada camera system, including live streaming and 24/7 recording, resource conserva�on, infrared capabili�es, and integra�on and compa�bility with the county’s surveillance system. Chief Moore noted that the town sponsors numerous community events, thus crea�ng a need for such a security system. Chief Moore then detailed the contents of the installa�on: Verkada hardware, five-year so�ware licensing, network infrastructure, installa�on materials and accessories, and full commissioning and opera�onal tes�ng. He said the town will piggyback on a Harford County contract with Infini� Technologies and Verkada is a part of the Infini� contract. He listed addi�onal nego�ated savings that lowered the cost from the original budgeted amount of $226,000. Chief Moore said there was a 10 percent discount from direct nego�a�on with Verkada and cost savings through the Maryland Highway Safety Office. He also noted the “firm fixed price” proposal in the agreement, which will eliminate the poten�al for project price increases. Chief Moore said that as a result of these cost savings, deployment loca�ons increased from the proposed twelve to now twenty-two strategic loca�ons. He conceded that there will be recurring costs with Verizon for wireless cards at eighteen cameras and a minimal cost for electric at four MDOT-owned intersec�ons. Chief Moore said this contract was a team effort and he thanked Mr. Hopkins; Ms. Moody; Corporal Ganovski; Ms. Thompson; contractors at Verkada, Infini�, and KCI; and the Board of Commissioners for their assistance and support. Commissioner Taylor asked ques�ons for the public record. He first asked about what por�on of the project is covered under the total cost of $165,004.44. Chief Moore replied that it covers the Verkada surveillance equipment, construc�on of the infrastructure, and the five-year licensing. Commissioner Taylor next asked about data storage. Chief Moore confirmed for him that Verkada does not store the data, rather only the client has access to the data. Commissioner Taylor noted that the data is destroyed a�er a set reten�on window unless the client chooses to archive it for inves�ga�ve purposes. Commissioner Taylor clarified that the town has oversight policies that dictate that any data collected are used only for police purposes. Commissioner Taylor, Chief Moore, and Ms. Moody then discussed annual recurring costs. They determined that annual recurring costs will be around $9,000 for Verizon and electric, and in five years the subscrip�on renewal will be around $39,000. Commissioner Taylor concluded that the actual yearly recurring costs will be around $16–17,000 if the subscrip�on renewal were spread out over the five years. He noted that this recurring cost for maintenance and upgrades is a much smaller number than what the town is now paying up front for the system. 5  Commissioner Taylor asked about the geofencing system for the parking garage. Chief Moore said this system was suspended due to the parking garage agreement that is “s�ll in limbo.” He noted that the geofencing capability is available in other cameras. Commissioner Taylor said that in conclusion the data belong to the town and only the town has oversight, strictly for the purpose of making the town safer. He thanked Chief Moore and Ms. Moody for all their work on this contract. Chair E�ng said she was most impressed that this system will save officer �me and said it will be revolu�onary for retail the� as well as more personal safety issues. Mr. Hopkins added that staff plans to expand the system in the future budget cycles to areas that are more vulnerable in town. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the purchase of Verkada Ar�ficial Intelligence Public Safety Camera System. Ayes: Commissioners Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 3–0. VII. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS The Town of Bel Air municipal elec�on will be on November 4. The polls will be open from 7 am to 8 pm at Bel Air Town Hall. To cast a ballot, a person must be a resident of the town and registered to vote in Maryland. All Town of Bel Air offices will be closed on November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. The Harford Ar�sts’ Associa�on gallery in Armory Marketplace will host the exhibit “Fes�vus for the Rest of Us” from November 5 to January 10. An opening recep�on will be on November 15. The final First Friday hosted by the Bel Air Downtown Alliance will be on November 7 in the parking lot at 121 S. Main Street from 5 to 8 pm. The Historical Society of Harford County will be hos�ng two events. The first is the annual Archer Lecture on November 8 at the historical society’s headquarters—143 N. Main Street— beginning at 2 pm. Sandra Wallis, PhD, will detail the roles Harford County residents played in the founding of the na�on. The other event is “Mr. Hay’s Neighbors,” wherein Christopher Smithson will discuss Thomas Hayes, a prominent resident of Bel Air in the early 19th century. This event will be on November 9 at 1 pm at the Hayes House, 324 N. Kenmore Avenue. Seth Kibel will host a lecture series at the armory on November 12 and 19 called “Clarine�sts of the Swing Era: A Lecture Series” from 9:45 am to 12 pm. He will discuss popular jazz performers of the 1930s and ‘40s. The Harford County Veterans Family Resource Fair will be on November 15 at the armory from 10 am to 1 pm. The event will provide health and life informa�on for local veterans and will also include ac�vi�es for children and a raffle. It is hosted by the Harford County Veterans Commission. November 24 is the final day to register to be a part of the Bel Air Annual Christmas Parade. The parade will be on December 7 beginning at 3 pm. The Appearance and Beau�fica�on Commitee will meet on November 10. The Tree Commitee will meet on November 12. The Economic and Community Development Commitee will meet on November 13. The Board of Town Commissioners will meet on November 10 and November 17. Ms. Robertson said the Christmas in Bel Air website has launched and will be ac�ve from now un�l the new year. She said the website highlights fi�y different events, including the Christmas Parade, the free parking ini�a�ve, and Winter Wonderland. VIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS Wayne Goddard, 128 N. Bond Street, expressed his apprecia�on for the ABC award. He then thanked everyone in town and on his staff who has been part of his projects. He said this par�cipa�on includes approving, endorsing, funding, and suppor�ng his mul�ple projects. Mr. Goddard par�cularly appreciated the support from the town and said it has been a group effort. He noted that recogni�on 6 can be one of the most important aspects of a project, and this award means a great deal to him. Mr. Goddard said his projects already have been successful in terms of community enrichment. IX. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS Commissioner Taylor thanked the Police Department for their work during the Halloween holiday. He reminded everyone to vote on November 4. Commissioner Chance commented that she appreciated all the work Mr. Goddard has done in town. She said his work will inspire others to develop in town. Chair E�ng appreciated the awards and enjoyed seeing what improvements people do to their homes and businesses. She congratulated all the award winners and said the town benefits from their efforts. X. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Chance mo�oned to adjourn the mee�ng. Commissioner Taylor seconded the mo�on. All in favor. The mee�ng adjourned at 8:03 pm. APPROVED: November 17, 2025 Signature on file _____________ Paula S. E�ng, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file_____________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 7