Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BEL AIR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS TOWN HALL MEETING NOVEMBER 17, 2025 The Board of Commissioners Town Hall Mee�ng was held on November 17, 2025, at 7:00 pm. PRESENT: Commissioner Paula S. Etting, Chair Commissioner Mary F. Chance Commissioner Steven T. Chizmar Commissioner Gavin O. Hanley 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 7:00 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. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the agenda. Ayes: Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 4–0. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Taylor mo�oned that the minutes of the Board of Commissioners mee�ngs held on October 28, 2025, and November 3, 2025, be approved as submited. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the mo�on. Commissioner Taylor mo�oned to amend the minutes of October 28, 2025, to change I. Call to Order to I. Beginnning of Meeting because there was not a quorum at that mee�ng. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the amendment to the October 28, 2025, minutes. Ayes: Commissioners Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 4–0. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the approval of the minutes for October 28, 2025, and November 3, 2025, as amended. Ayes: Commissioners Chizmar, Taylor, Chance, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 4–0. 1 V. OUTGOING COMMISSIONER PARTING ADDRESS Chair E�ng thanked Commissioner Chance for her outstanding service to the board. She commented that Commissioner Chance’s life has been one of service and she listed her posi�ons with the county government and her posi�on on the Greater Bel Air Community Founda�on. Chair E�ng said that Commissioner Chance is a devoted mother and grandmother who will con�nue to serve Bel Air and will now have more �me to serve her family. Chair E�ng read the proclama�on for Commissioner Chance. The proclama�on detailed that Commissioner Chance served as a member of the Board of Commissioners since 2021 where she demonstrated a commitment to community service. The proclama�on noted that Commissioner Chance was a strong advocate for quality of life maters like pedestrian and traffic safety. In addi�on, the proclama�on recognized that Commissioner Chance served as liaison on numerous boards and commitees in town, as well as civic organiza�ons. It also recognized her long career in Harford County government. The proclama�on thanked Commissioner Chance for her work as an elected official in Bel Air. Commissioner Chance said she viewed this evening as the beginning of the next chapter of her life where she will be a grandmother full-�me. She said that serving as commissioner was a true honor. Commissioner Chance then urged the audience and those watching that if they care about the town, there are many commitees and commissions in the town that need volunteers. She encouraged others to sign up and be of service. Commissioner Chance stated, “service is the rent you pay for the space you occupy” and she said that being of service makes you a beter person. Commissioner Chance then thanked every staff member individually. She highlighted the hard work each staff member performs, including their dedica�on, their skills, and their abili�es. She expressed her deep apprecia�on for the staff and their commitment to the town. Commissioner Chance wished the board and Commissioner-elect Hanley good luck with the work ahead. She said her �me as commissioner was a wonderful honor and she added her apprecia�on for town ci�zens who atend the mee�ngs. Delegate Susan McComas provided words of apprecia�on and congratula�ons, as well as a gi� to Commissioner Chance. Delegate McComas commented that local government is “where the rubber meets the road.” She felt state government does not always appreciate local government. She noted that the town has not really lost a commissioner because it s�ll has a community ac�vist in Commissioner Chance. VI. SWEARING-IN CEREMONY OF COMMISSIONERS ELECT Michelle Karczeski, Clerk of the Circuit Court for Harford County, performed the swearing-in ceremony for Chair E�ng and Commissioner-elect Hanley. VII. ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR Ms. Thompson, as town counsel for the Town of Bel Air, asked for nomina�ons to the posi�on of “Chair” of the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Taylor nominated Commissioner E�ng for a third term. Commissioner Hanley seconded the mo�on. Commissioner Taylor commented that Commissioner E�ng has done a wonderful job in the posi�on and he looked forward to her leadership 2 for another year. He said it is a privilege to serve with her. Ms. Thompson asked for a vote on the nomina�on of Commissioner E�ng to the posi�on of “Chair.” Ayes: Chizmar, Taylor, Hanley, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 4–0. Chair E�ng thanked the voters for elec�ng her to a second term. She also thanked her fellow commissioners for vo�ng for her to serve as chair. She said she appreciated their confidence in her. Chair E�ng called on her fellow board members for nomina�ons to the posi�on of “Vice Chair” of the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Hanley mo�oned to nominate Commissioner Chizmar to serve as Vice Chair. Commissioner Taylor seconded the mo�on. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the nomina�on of Commissioner Chizmar to the posi�on of “Vice Chair.” Ayes: Chizmar, Taylor, Hanley, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 4–0. Commissioner Chizmar thanked the board for their confidence in re-elec�ng him and he looked forward to serving. VIII. PRESENTATION A. Municipal Ci�zens Academy Gradua�on Mr. Hopkins said it is his privilege to present the second gradua�ng class of the academy. He then provided a background on the genesis of the academy. Mr. Hopkins stated that there are mul�ple levels of government each with the same purpose in mind, but they operate differently regarding rules, regula�ons, and procedures. He said that municipal government works closely with its cons�tuents, and so it is helpful when those cons�tuents have a clear understanding about how government works. Therefore, the academy invites ci�zens to learn how their government operates and make partnerships. Mr. Hopkins noted this second session differed from the last one because staff also extended invita�ons to par�cipants who are leaders in nonprofit groups that are important to the town’s mission. He said he also invited Boy Scouts to atend classes to atain points for their badges. Mr. Hopkins said the session was eight weeks long with one class per week for two and a half hours. Chair E�ng assisted Mr. Hopkins in presen�ng the cer�ficates to the graduates. She thanked all par�cipants and encouraged them to consider serving on one of the town’s commissions or commitees. Cer�ficates were presented to David Guzewich (Lions’ Club), Sandra Guzewich (Lions’ Club), Mitchell Linzey (absent), David Patzer, Joshua Roesler, Alissa Wallace, and Eric Wong. IX. NEW BUSINESS A. Policy I.E.6 Signing of Checks Amendment Commissioner Chizmar mo�oned that the amended Opera�ons/Administra�on/Finance Policy I.E.6, authorizing the withdrawal of Town funds on deposit with any commercial banking ins�tu�on within the State of Maryland, be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Hanley seconded the mo�on. Ms. Moody reported that this is a housekeeping change for the exis�ng policy. She said this amendment involves the town’s opera�ng account that has check-signing privileges. She said it will remove the outgoing commissioner’s name and replace it with the new commissioner. 3  Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the approval of this policy amendment. Ayes: Commissioners Chizmar, Taylor, Hanley, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 4–0. B. Appointment to the Cultural Arts Commission 1. Marisa O. Canino Commissioner Taylor mo�oned that the appointment of Marisa O. Canino to the Cultural Arts Commission for a term of three years, effec�ve immediately, be approved by the Board of Town Commissioners. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the mo�on. Ms. Robertson said that staff recommends Ms. Canino to this board. Ms. Robertson reported that Ms. Canino has a strong background in arts and arts administra�on. In addi�on, Ms. Canino has served on the Harford Ar�sts’ Associa�on, and has experience in visual arts and grant wri�ng. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the appointment of Marisa O. Canino to the Cultural Arts Commission. Ayes: Commissioners Chizmar, Taylor, Hanley, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 4–0. X. PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS All Town of Bel Air offices will be closed on November 27 and 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Historical Society of Harford County is holding its Annual Greens Sale star�ng on November 21. November 25 is the deadline for Advent wreaths. December 4 is the deadline for boxwood trees and centerpieces. The Bel Air Lions’ Club Christmas tree sale begins on November 22 in the lot at Boulton Street and Route 24. This sale is the Lions’ biggest annual fundraiser. The deadline to sign up to par�cipate in the Bel Air Christmas Parade is November 24. The parade will be on December 7 on Main Street followed by holiday music, a bonfire, and ceremonial ligh�ng of the town’s Christmas tree in Shamrock Park. Free parking will be available at all metered, on-street parking in the town from November 27 to December 26. The Christmas Train Garden opens on November 28 at the Mt. Ararat Masonic Lodge at 136 E. Gordon Street. Opening night for Winter Wonderland in Bel Air is November 29 in downtown Bel Air. The Belle Aire Holiday Market hosted by the Bel Air Downtown Alliance will be November 29 at 121 S. Main Street. It is a holiday-themed open-air market. It will be open each Saturday through December 20. Small Business Saturday is November 29. Ar�sts’ Sunday is November 30. This is a na�onwide ini�a�ve to promote purchasing works made by ar�sts in the community. Art will be available for purchase at the Harford Ar�sts’ Associa�on gallery in the Armory Marketplace and in other businesses in the town. The Cultural Arts Commission will meet on November 19. The Commitee for Seniors and Ci�zens in Need will meet on December 1. The Board of Town Commissioners will meet on November 25 and December 1. XI. PUBLIC COMMENTS Janelle Mooney, 1622 Rebecca Court, Forest Hill, said that as a local renter, she was excited to see the new apartments being constructed called The Standard on Bond. She said that she understood that the Planning Commission looks at exterior aesthe�cs for new construc�on, ensuring that new buildings fit in with the overall look of Bel Air. Ms. Mooney advised that the commission should also consider the interior when making their decisions. She said that she reviewed the interior floor plans and determined that four out of the six layouts have a bedroom with no exterior window. Ms. Mooney ques�oned why these apartments are considered luxury with a windowless bedroom. She noted that most people gloss 4 over this situa�on un�l they are actually living in the space. She described how difficult it would be to sleep in a room without any natural light. Ms. Mooney also noted that a bedroom without a window could be illegal and she ques�oned how this came to pass in terms of building codes. She discussed quality of life and said Bel Air considers quality of life as part of its iden�ty. Ms. Mooney said this type of construc�on is an affront to those values. She queried whether the construc�on on The Standard on Bond could be reviewed for bedroom windows. In addi�on, Ms. Mooney asked that for future construc�on, the town should consider reviewing the interior design of buildings and requiring windows in bedrooms as part of its building codes. XII. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS Commissioner Taylor welcomed Commissioner Hanley to the board. He congratulated him on his elec�on and felt confident that he will successfully represent those who voted for him as well as the rest of the town. Commissioner Chizmar congratulated Commissioner Hanley and said he has known him for a long �me and knows that he has the town’s best interests at heart. Commissioner Chizmar addressed Ms. Mooney. He said that he was not aware of the lack of bedroom windows. Commissioner Chizmar asked for Ms. Mooney’s contact informa�on and said he would look into the mater. Chair E�ng welcomed Commissioner Hanley to the board. She noted that the board is s�ll looking for one more member, who must be a town resident and of vo�ng age. Chair E�ng said it is a �me commitment, but it is worth the effort. Commissioner Hanley thanked everyone in atendance this evening. He also thanked everyone who supported him in the elec�on and put their trust in him to serve on the board. Commissioner Hanley said it is a great honor and said he looks forward to working with his colleagues and the professional staff. XIII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Chizmar mo�oned to adjourn the mee�ng. Commissioner Hanley seconded the mo�on. All in favor. The mee�ng adjourned at 7:42 pm. APPROVED: December 1, 2025 Signature on file _____________ Paula S. E�ng, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file_____________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 5