Board of Town Commissioners

MINUTES BEL AIR BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION MEETING NOVEMBER 25, 2025 The Board of Commissioners Work Session Mee�ng was held on November 25, 2025, at 5:15 pm. PRESENT: Commissioner Paula S. Etting, Chair Commissioner Steven T. Chizmar Commissioner Gavin O. Hanley Commissioner Jakob D. Taylor IN ATTENDANCE: David Anderson, Media & Public Relations Specialist Charles Dawson, Deputy Director of Public Works Edward Hopkins, Town Administrator Michael Krantz, Director of HR & Administration Charles Moore, Chief of Police Angela Robertson, Director of Economic Development Kevin Small, Director of Planning Elizabeth Thompson, Town Counsel Pamela Wockenfuss, Deputy Director of Finance 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 Hanley mo�oned to approve the agenda. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the mo�on. Mr. Hopkins requested that the Sustainability Presenta�on be next on the agenda followed by the town administrator’s report. Commissioner Taylor mo�oned that items IV. and V. be reversed and item VI.A.1. be removed from the agenda. Commissioner Chizmar seconded the mo�on. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the amendments to the agenda. Ayes: Commissioners Chizmar, Taylor, Hanley, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 4–0. Mr. Krantz asked for a vote on the agenda, as amended. Ayes: Commissioners Chizmar, Taylor, Hanley, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 4–0. IV. PRESENTATION A. Sustainability Presenta�on by Laura Bianca-Pruet Ms. Bianca-Pruet said she will describe the different parts of the Sustainable Maryland Municipal Cer�fica�on Program, what the town does for the program, and what are poten�al next steps for the town’s upcoming recer�fica�on. Ms. Bianca-Pruet first provided background on the program. She said it is a collabora�ve effort between the Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland and the Maryland Municipal League to reward communi�es for their sustainable efforts. Ms. Bianca-Pruet said it is a rigorous process that requires renewal every three years. The town was first cer�fied in 2012 1 and is scheduled for the next three-year recer�fica�on in 2026. She said the recer�fica�on process involves crea�ng a work plan that demonstrates the town’s sustainability efforts over the past three years. Ms. Bianca-Pruet noted that this non-binding cer�fica�on provides a blueprint for working with other levels of government and makes grant opportuni�es accessible. She said that the town reached the silver level in 2023 and she hoped to achieve this again in 2026. Ms. Bianca-Pruet outlined the requirements and point system for reaching the silver level. Ms. Bianca-Pruet said the town has met the two mandatory requirements, which are to create a green team—the Sustainability Work Group—and to complete a green team ac�on plan. She noted that the ac�on plan outlines ac�ons that the team hopes to accomplish over the next three years and these ac�ons may be taken on by municipal staff as well as community organiza�ons. Ms. Bianca-Pruet then listed ten ac�on item categories. She noted that some ac�ons have different �melines, with some accomplished in a few months while others are mul�-year. She also defined the innova�ve demonstra�on projects that are listed under each category. 1. Community Ac�on. Ms. Bianca-Pruet reported that the town has met the requirements for this category by crea�ng a green team, par�cipa�ng in green team training, and developing a green team ac�on plan. She said that staff will also conduct a community barriers and benefit assessment (survey). Ms. Bianca-Pruet discussed the poten�al of having a sustainability resource center in town—physical or virtual—that would adver�se events, share resources, and provide updates. She noted other ini�a�ves in town that fall under this category: community-based public art; the community collec�on event in September; par�cipa�on in Maryland green schools (Bel Air High, Bel Air Middle, St. Margaret’s School, John Carroll School); the chess tournament; and par�cipa�on in green centers (Harford Glen, Eden Mill Nature Center). 2. Community-Based Food Systems. Ms. Bianca-Pruet said the farmers’ market, garden mart, and the community garden at St. Mathew Lutheran Church all fall under this category. She listed other poten�al op�ons the town could pursue such as a local food fair, local food cooking and preserva�on classes, a local food forest, a fall transplant sale, and a municipal CSA drop-off loca�on. Ms. Bianca- Pruet said the town now has a backyard chicken ordinance to add under this category. 3. Energy. Ms. Bianca-Pruet said the town may not be able to renew credits for some of these categories at this �me. These include the municipal energy audit, the Maryland Smart Energy Community Program, and the residen�al electric vehicles and public charging sta�ons. She noted these charging sta�ons are currently only available for municipal use. She said the town does qualify under municipal electric vehicles and municipal renewable energy, which are the solar panels on town hall. Ms. Bianca-Pruet said solar panels could be installed on other town buildings. 4. Greenhouse Gas. Ms. Bianca-Pruet said the municipal carbon footprint is a priority ac�on, wherein the town does measure the energy costs of its vehicles, town facili�es, and street lights. She detailed the other op�ons in this category (measurement of the community carbon footprint, climate ac�on plan) all of which entail a more intensive review and study. 5. Health and Wellness. Ms. Bianca-Pruet said the town currently has pes�cide-free zones and conducted an innova�ve demonstra�on project (AED sta�ons in parks). She said the town has poten�al to fulfill more categories in this area like joining Healthiest Maryland Businesses and expanding its Workplace Wellness Program. She noted that under pes�cide-free zones, the Tree Commitee 2 established, with assistance from the county, vine-removal days on the Ma & Pa Trail. Ms. Bianca-Pruet discussed addi�onal poten�al projects under children’s environmental health (story walk in Rockfield Park, an�-vape programs) and innova�ve demonstra�on projects (suicide reduc�on in the parking garage). 6. Historic Preserva�on. Ms. Bianca-Pruet said that this category is 100 percent completed. The town has had an historic area zoning ordinance since 1980, established a na�onal registered historic district, established local historic property tax ini�a�ves, and became a cer�fied local government in 2016. She noted the recently passed legisla�on to increase the property tax credit to 25 percent for those homeowners who maintain or improve their proper�es with historic materials. She said that the town, as a cer�fied local government, has access to grant funds and resources for projects promo�ng preserva�on and local heritage. Ms. Bianca-Pruet also highlighted the historic walking tours, the historic plaques on town buildings, and the Bel Air 150th celebra�on. 7. Local Economies. Ms. Bianca-Pruet indicated the categories that the town has sa�sfied, including a local business directory (GIS map that promotes shopping and dining in town), local business roundtable (annual commercial retailers mee�ng), and local purchasing preference policy (vendor promo�ons). She highlighted other categories in this sec�on that the town could meet, such as the Green Business Cer�fica�on Program. She noted that the town does par�cipate in a green purchasing policy by purchasing recycled products. She said the town does organic waste compos�ng with its leaf collec�on, and she suggested establishing a compost area where residents could bring their compost. Ms. Bianca-Pruet also said that the town is a Maryland Main Street and Main Street Affiliate through the Bel Air Downtown Alliance. In addi�on, under innova�ve demonstra�on projects, the town has the successful Armory Marketplace Incubator Program. 8. Natural Resources. Ms. Bianca-Pruet noted that this category and others requires coopera�ve work with all the departments in town. She also stated that the point system is quite varied. Under watershed stewardship, the town has developed a watershed plan and implemented a watershed stewardship. She said the town also has a stormwater management coordinator. She highlighted other categories for considera�on like water conserva�on programs and the development of a pet waste program. Other natural resources programs in the town include the Chesapeake Sensory Playground, the Bel Air 5, designa�on as a Tree City USA for thirty-two years, and the insect hotel at Rockfield Park. 9. Planning and Land Use. Ms. Bianca-Pruet said the town par�cipates in the Department of Housing and Community Development Sustainable Communi�es and recently received grant money to improve Courthouse Square through this program. 10. Transporta�on. Ms. Bianca-Pruet said the town has a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and the Complete Streets Policy and Program, which included the quick-build at Main, Bond, and Gordon Streets. She also highlighted the Safe Streets for All Program and the poten�al of other intersec�ons for quick- builds. Ms. Bianca-Pruet discussed next steps. She said the town has seven months un�l the June 30, 2026, deadline. She said there will be a green team training in January 2026, work on 2026 grant applica�on opportuni�es, and scheduling of Sustainability Work Group mee�ngs to priori�ze short- and long-term goals. Ms. Bianca-Pruet concluded with the dra� vision of the Sustainability Work Group, in which the group will improve and enhance the town’s sustainability measures so that the town is a sustainable community for all people. 3  Commissioner Taylor commented that he is interested in the compos�ng program and had spoken with Casey Boyer in Havre de Grace to ask about their program. He concluded that the program would not be cost prohibi�ve, possibly a “few thousand [dollars] per year,” and asked Ms. Bianca-Pruet to describe what the program would be like in Bel Air. She replied that it would be similar to Havre de Grace’s program and said the best loca�on for the compost bins would be near the Department of Public Works where there are already recycling measures. She commented on the success of Havre de Grace’s program where it was linked to the farmers’ market. Commissioner Taylor said that compos�ng has diverted several tons of waste in Havre de Grace and is a service provided to residents for a rela�vely modest sum. Ms. Bianca-Pruet said she will look at tying it to the Bel Air Farmers’ Market. Commissioner Chizmar addressed the natural resources part of the presenta�on. He noted that there may be a 50 percent increase in residents’ water bills and suggested programs to help residents conserve water. Ms. Bianca-Pruet agreed to address this sugges�on. Commissioner Chizmar asked about grant monies. Ms. Bianca-Pruet replied that some grants are directly through Sustainable Maryland Cer�fied while there are more specific grants directed at different ini�a�ves in the program, like energy and historic preserva�on. In answer to Commissioner Chizmar, she suspected that the cost for the compost program may be too low for a grant but she would research the possibility. Chair E�ng thanked Ms. Bianca-Pruet for her presenta�on and she, too, supported the compos�ng program. Mr. Small added that former Commissioner Chance was on the Sustainability Work Group and asked commissioners to contact him if they would like to take her place. IV. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT Mr. Hopkins reported on the following items. 1. The construc�on and re-paving on Pennsylvania Avenue has been postponed un�l next week due to the weather. He projected that it would be completed in �me for the Christmas Parade. 2. The Public Comment Hearings for the Maryland-American Water Company rate increases are scheduled for December 8. He asked that commissioners no�fy the organizers should they like to tes�fy. 3. Mr. Hopkins said the Greater Bel Air Community Founda�on awarded the town $12,500 for updates to Alice Anne Park. 4. The board unanimously agreed that town staff will have December 26 as a holiday. Mr. Anderson will relay recycling changes to the community. 5. Mr. Hopkins said he emailed the commissioners regarding the Army Alliance/Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee and Conversa�on scheduled on December 12 at Ruggles Golf Course. 6. Mr. Hopkins said he is in preliminary discussions with Ms. Moody regarding the FY27 budget. He asked commissioners to contact him with any FY27 budgetary interests or concerns. 7. Mr. Hopkins discussed agenda priori�es for the next two months. He said that tonight will be a discussion on DRRAs. At the next work session there will be a parking analysis and discussion of the parking fund. He said the commissioners will review issues regarding Lee Street parking, removal of parking vouchers, and other parking-related concerns. Next, Mr. Kline will review condominium trash pickup. Lastly, there will be an NTMP discussion. He noted that the NTMP already met and discussed the 4 structure and purpose of the group, as well as revisions to the manual. Mr. Hopkins said that on January 13 the discussion will be on cannabis, use of the amphitheater, and wind sail signs regula�ons. He said there are addi�onal topics but they will be postponed un�l the appointment of the fi�h commissioner. He clarified for Commissioner Taylor that the parking discussion will only focus on Lee Street and vouchers and will not yet cover the broader budgetary issues. Chair E�ng asked for feedback regarding the county’s NTMP, as well as other municipali�es. Mr. Small said he would do research on this request. VI. TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR TOWN MEETING (Monday, December 1, 2025, at 7:00 pm, Bel Air Town Hall) A. New Business 1. Ordinance 851-25 Amending the Bel Air Town Code Chapter 450. Vehicles and Traffic, Ar�cle V. Meter and Lease Rates Mr. Small provided history on the Lee Street Parking lot. He said that several years ago parking in that lot was in high demand from the county and town businesses. The Board of Commissioners at that �me allowed for overflow parking onto Lee Street in parallel parking metered spaces. Mr. Small said that there are more businesses in that area now and those businesses would prefer the on-street spaces be available for their customers. In addi�on, Mr. Small said the demand for the parking in the Lee Street lot has decreased. Mr. Small said that there are five permit, metered spaces on the south side and eight on the north side. The ordinance would authorize only the south side spaces for overflow parking. The north side would revert back to regular metered spaces. In answer to Chair E�ng, Ms. Robertson and Mr. Small said that the current use of the overflow spaces fluctuates depending on the season and the �me of day. Ms. Robertson said there is never a �me when both sides of the street are needed. She said that this change would prevent lease holders from parking directly in front of the businesses. Mr. Small told Chair E�ng that the Lee Street lot is oversold by 30 percent and he noted that he has not received any complaints about lack of parking in that area. Commissioner Chizmar asked about the number of parking spaces. Mr. Small said there are 29 spaces in the lot and 42 are available with overbooking at 30 percent. He said the number of spaces leased on that lot are 38. Commissioner Chizmar said removing the 8 spaces should not impact the parking need with 34 spaces s�ll available. Ms. Robertson said parking enforcement did a study on the Lee Street lot and determined that spaces are available throughout the day. Mr. Small said the language change will be minimal, just changing on-street parking on Lee Street to on-street parking along the south side of Lee Street for overflow only. Mr. Small said he would no�fy the lease holders and include a map for clarity. 2. Sewer Root Control Contract Mr. Dawson said the town maintains a root control program that inspects three sec�ons in town annually on a rota�ng basis. He said that this year the Homestead area will be inspected. Mr. Dawson said the town will be piggybacking on a Houston-Galveston area contract. He reported that this work prevents system backups. Mr. Dawson said the town will employ Duke’s Root Control and has used this company in the past. Mr. Dawson told Chair E�ng that the cost will be approximately $42,000. He explained to Commissioner Chizmar that the company uses a chemical substance that scopes the lines 5 for roots. He noted that the lines needing inspec�on are made of terra cota so only the older sec�ons in town are inspected. He also reported that the chemical substance is only guaranteed for three years. 3. Public Works Modular Custom Tool Shop Cabinet Purchase Mr. Dawson said this is a purchase for tool shop cabinets for the shop area, which is responsible for the maintenance of about 100 town vehicles. Mr. Dawson said the current cabinets are thirty-five years old and in need of replacement. He said it will be a piggyback contract with Sourcewell, Snap-On Tool Industry. Mr. Dawson told Commissioner Hanley that the lifespan of these cabinets is about twenty-five years. VII. COMMISSIONER LIAISON REPORTS Chair E�ng said the Tree Commitee met in early November. She reported that they are working on ge�ng a maintenance contract for the Majors Choice Champion Oak. Chair E�ng said that she met with the county delega�on to discuss the historic preserva�on legisla�on. She said the delega�on will now ask the atorney general’s office for its opinion on whether it should be a “local bill.” Specifically, Chair E�ng said the legisla�on declares that an historic preserva�on complaint is reviewed by the town’s Board of Appeals rather than the circuit court. She noted that other jurisdic�ons may have different needs, but this legisla�on suits the town best and the local delega�on is in support of it. Commissioner Taylor said the Appearance & Beau�fica�on Commitee (ABC) and the Economic and Community Development Commission (ECDC) met last week. He noted the hard work of ABC members as they decorate the town for the holidays. He said the ECDC discussed Commissioner Chizmar’s parking policy and this conversa�on will con�nue when there is a final dra� of the legisla�on. Commissioner Taylor confirmed for Commissioner Chizmar that ECDC also discussed fee in lieu and the commi�ng of town resources. Commissioner Chizmar said the Board of Appeals and the Planning Commission did not meet last month. He said the Planning Commission will meet in December to discuss the Taco Bell redesign and a poten�al auto spa on Bal�more Pike. VIII. STAFFING UPDATE A. Review Term Expira�on Dates of Boards, Commitees, and Commissions Mr. Krantz said no posi�ons are currently posted. He said he con�nues to interview for the posi�on of part-�me file clerk and hoped to award that posi�on before the Christmas holiday. He confirmed for Commissioner Chizmar that the openings on commitees and commissions are posted on the website. He said the commissioners will review the vacancies at the December work session. Ms. Robertson said that there will be a reappointment to the Cultural Arts Commission at the next work session. She said that Nicki Jergensen has agreed to serve another term. Commissioner Chizmar reported that there will be an opening on the Planning Commission because Lois Kissinger-Kelly will step down in December a�er fi�een years of serving. 6 IX. CALENDAR Commissioner Taylor said he will atend the Coffee and Conversa�on on December 12. Ms. Robertson said Cat Butrim will atend for the Economic Development Department. Commissioners agreed to move the December 9 work session to December 10 at 5:15 pm so as to not conflict with the Bel Air Recrea�on holiday event and to ensure all topics on the agenda are adequately discussed. Chair E�ng reminded commissioners and staff about the December 8 Public Comment Hearings for Maryland American Water. She discussed her dissa�sfac�on with the company’s proposed �ered system that seemed, in her es�ma�on, to penalize families that naturally use more water. Chair E�ng said she did not understand the assump�on that those people who have less money use less water. She said it would be useful for the commissioners to hear the tes�mony. In addi�on, Chair E�ng said she would like to hear about how the company determines shut-offs of the water line to customers. Commissioner Taylor agreed with Chair E�ng’s sen�ments. He echoed former Commissioner Rutledge’s statement that the reasoning behind the �ered system is “farcical” and it is an “atempt at social engineering to encourage people to use less water.” Commissioners Taylor and Hanley said they would atend the hearing. Mr. Hopkins said he would provide Commissioner Hanley with background informa�on. Mr. Krantz confirmed that the December Tree Commitee mee�ng is cancelled. Ms. Robertson said that on December 5 University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake will have its 25th anniversary recogni�on. X. MISCELLANEOUS A. Discussion of Commissioner Liaison Assignments Commissioner Taylor said he will remain as liaison on the ABC and ECDC and would now like to add liaison to the Police Department. Commissioner Hanley said he would like to serve as liaison to the Historic Preserva�on Commission and to the Bel Air Recrea�on Commitee. Mr. Hopkins reminded commissioners of the opening on the Sustainability Work Group. Commissioners agreed to wait for the fi�h commissioner to fill the remaining liaison openings. B. Discussion of Development Rights and Responsibili�es Agreement (DRRA) Commissioner Chizmar said that DRRAs give the board a say in what a developer is proposing, as well as the opportunity to have the developer provide exac�ons. He noted that some developers may want a DRRA and it is important to have it codified. Commissioner Taylor asked if Maryland becomes an early ves�ng state for residen�al use, how does this change affect mixed use. Ms. Thompson replied that it would depend on whether the municipality defines mixed use as commercial or residen�al. She said that DRRAs would be a possibility if mixed use is considered commercial. She described a current project that is required to have 50 percent or more commercial with the rest residen�al, and it is s�ll defined as commercial. Ms. Thompson confirmed that any DRRA entered into with such a project would also affect the residen�al component. Ms. Thompson clarified an important aspect of the DRRA. She said the board cannot have a say in the development project. She said the board will only approve the agreement and determine what exac�on is appropriate. Ms. Thompson stressed that the board cannot supplant the Planning 7 Commission’s role. She also said there should be discussions on an approval �meline. She preferred that the concept plan and the DRRA be approved at the same �me. Ms. Thompson explained the agreement for Commissioner Hanley. She clarified that regula�ons like permited use and height will have already been approved by the Planning Commission and the DRRA is not designed to usurp the Planning Commission’s role or the town’s code requirements. She said early ves�ng does not allow for nego�a�on. She said the transac�on is that developer gets ves�ng in exchange for an exac�on. Commissioner Chizmar moved on to the language of the dra�. Ms. Thompson clarified that the en�ty that would approve the agreement would be the board. She read aloud the beginning of the dra� wherein it states that the board has to approve the final agreement. She agreed that if the language seems unclear, she can make it stronger. Commissioner Chizmar referred to A.5. where he said it reads that the town administrator has the authority to enter into agreements. He asked if this gives the town administrator the authority to approve the DRRA. Ms. Thompson said that is not the case; the language gives the town administrator the power to nego�ate on behalf of the board. She said the town administrator will not execute the DRRA without the board’s approval. Commissioner Chizmar felt there was confusion with “execute an agreement” and “enter an agreement” in different sec�ons. Ms. Thompson said that she envisions that the board will approve the DRRA thus authorizing the town administrator to execute the agreement. She said she will make this language clearer—“he executes a�er [the board] approves.” The board agreed with this language clarifica�on. She said she will also change the language in A.5. to say the “town administrator is the public principal” and leave as-is “nego�ate with the applicant for the enhanced public benefits to be provided.” Ms. Thompson reported on an opinion that was issued from the atorney general’s office sta�ng that is up to the legisla�ve body to determine whether or not the concept plan went through the process along with the DRRA. She ques�oned whether a project that has already received approval could come back and request a DRRA a�er this legisla�on is passed. Commissioner Chizmar said this ques�on �es in with his concerns about clarifying the steps of the process in sec�on E. Chair E�ng speculated that the only reason to do this on a developer’s part is to ensure ves�ng. Ms. Thompson added that such a step would ensure financing for the developer. Mr. Small said this would also benefit developers whose process may be longer than two years. Commissioner Chizmar asked Ms. Thompson to outline the process. She said the developer would first pe��on the zoning administrator (Mr. Small), the developer would file a pe��on and pay the filing fees, a report would be prepared and submited, and Mr. Small would produce a staff report for the Planning Commission for preliminary approval. She noted that the primary ques�on for the Planning Commission for a DRRA is whether the exac�on proposed is consistent with the comprehensive plan. Ms. Thompson said it is beter to have the DRRA process proceed along with the ini�al proposal because the Planning Commission will determine whether the exac�on and the underlying development is consistent with the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Hanley asked if the developers could go before the Board of Commissioners for acceptance and then send the proposal on to the Planning Commission. Ms. Thompson said developers cannot come before a legisla�ve body. She said it is important to keep this board insulated from developer discussions and promises. She assured Commissioner Hanley that the board will be apprised of all decisions throughout the process from the beginning to the end. . 8  Commissioner Chizmar asked about the process again a�er the proposal goes to the Planning Commission. Ms. Thompson replied that the Planning Commission will approve the concept plan and the exac�on at a public hearing. It will then be put before the commissioners to be passed as a resolu�on at another public hearing. If approved, the resolu�on will state that the board is instruc�ng the town administrator to execute the agreement. Commissioner Chizmar asked if these procedures could be added to the dra� legisla�on. Ms. Thompson agreed and said a�er she makes the changes she will circulate the dra� to the commissioners for addi�onal comments. Commissioner Chizmar asked about the �me frame for the agreement. Ms. Thompson said the exac�on should be constructed in the �me frame. Mr. Small added that this would depend on the exac�on because some may be subject to the execu�on of the project. He suggested elabora�on on this language. He said the specifics of the �me frame could be established in the DRRA. Ms. Thompson noted that if the �me frame passes without construc�on or permits, the agreement terminates and there is no ves�ng. Ms. Thompson noted the Planning Commission can issue extensions but the DRRA would have to come back to the board. She confirmed for Commissioner Hanley that if an agreement is breeched, the developer is responsible for all accompanying fees. Commissioner Taylor said he s�ll remains skep�cal of DRRAs. Chair E�ng said she is undecided as well and suspected that the state legislature may pass legisla�on that will make the DRRA discussion irrelevant. She was s�ll interested in con�nuing the discussion. Ms. Thompson noted that the only thing the board would give up if they do not do DRRAs is the ability to pass legisla�on on a project that is in process. Commissioner Taylor noted that the board can say no to a DRRA but they cannot nego�ate on the plan. Ms. Thompson said the board may have to consider the plan if the exac�on is located on the subject property. She said that, in this case, the board can provide feedback only. Commissioner Taylor said the board could s�ll vote no on a DRRA but cannot say why because it is a poli�cal decision. Commissioner Chizmar said the board can provide its views on the exac�on. Ms. Thompson said the developers should iden�fy the exac�on when they file the pe��on. She agreed to make the proposed changes and email the revised dra� to the board. XI. STAFF COMMENTS Ms. Thompson thanked Mr. Small for his excellent direct examina�on in the 121 S. Bond Street case. Ms. Robertson reminded the board and staff that November 29 is Small Business Saturday. Chief Moore said that sworn and civilian staff atended the Shine a Light event, which presented its inaugural Heroes of Hope Award honoring a public safety individual. The event was held at Mt. Zion Church and it recognized those who have lost their lives to addic�on as well as those who are naviga�ng recovery. Chief Moore said Sergeant Richard “Chip” Carter received the award. Chief Moore described Sergeant Carter’s thirty-eight-year career with the Police Department and his current role as LEAD execu�ve officer. Chief Moore said the award recognizes a first responder who demonstrates dedica�on, compassion, and innova�on in addressing substance issues. He noted that Sergeant Carter has dedicated his career to these issues and said the en�re department was deeply proud of Sergeant Carter for receiving this honor. Chief Moore then thanked the sponsors of the program. Chief Moore discussed his proposed amendments to the legisla�on for electric bikes. He called it a quality-of-life issue and said he was very concerned that a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorist will be hurt because of these bikes. He said he atended the legisla�ve session and provided the legislature examples of his experiences with these bikes. He said his solu�on is to amend the laws. Chief Moore described the 9 three classes of bikes, no�ng importantly that Class 2 bikes have an accelerator and no pedals. He said all the classes fall under the defini�on of bicycle. Chief Moore said he recommends amending the defini�on of a bicycle to include Classes 1 and 3 bikes only, maximum of 20/28 miles per hour, an electric motor of less than 750 wats, and the rider must be at least sixteen years old. Under classes of electric bicycles, he recommended removing Class 2 bikes completely. Chief Moore said if they must remain in the classifica�on, he recommended that they not be permited to operate on public roadways and they also be classified as motorcycles. Chief Moore read addi�onal changes (Classes 1 and 3 must have fully operable pedals, Class 2 are categorized as a low-speed vehicle or a toy vehicle) that he recommended and noted that the legislature seemed interested in his proposals. He added that New Jersey, which has experienced fatali�es, would like to put tags on the bikes. He clarified for Commissioner Chizmar that a “public highway” and a “public roadway” are the same, and noted that parking lots are included in the defini�on of a public roadway. Commissioner Chizmar asked about regula�on of watage and horsepower. Chief Moore replied that it may be difficult to regulate watage and horsepower as well as requiring tagging. He said there are many lobbyists for the e-bikes. Commissioner Taylor noted that the lobbyists’ primary objec�ve is to protect riders of Classes 1 and 0 (regular bikes). He said he supports this legisla�on and pointed out that Class 2 bikes are just as dangerous to a regular cyclist. Commissioner Hanley said he supported the legisla�on as well and was concerned about the dangers. Commissioner Chizmar asked if it would be possible to put any of these recommenda�ons in the town code. Chief Moore said it is possible but it is easier to enforce state laws that carry more weight. Chair E�ng cau�oned about penalizing those who use bikes for exercise but understood these concerns for e-bikes. Chief Moore noted that bikes of any kind are not allowed on sidewalks. XII. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS Commissioner Taylor asked the board to consider beginning mee�ngs with an invoca�on or a prayer, as is done in other municipali�es and both chambers of the general assembly. He felt a public delibera�ve body should begin a mee�ng with a medita�ve moment. Mr. Hopkins did not recall prayers at town mee�ngs going back to 2006. Commissioner Hanley commended staff for his onboarding experience. He said he was very impressed with the organiza�on and the support. He added that Winter Wonderland begins on Saturday. He wished Happy Thanksgiving to staff and town residents. Chair E�ng congratulated the Police Department for their Facebook reel on retail the�s. Mr. Krantz confirmed for Chair E�ng that he has dra�ed the proclama�on for Arbor Day, which will facilitate the Tree City USA designa�on. She reminded everyone that recycling pickup for the en�re town is tomorrow, November 26. XIII. CLOSED SESSION Commissioner Taylor mo�oned to move the mee�ng into closed session. Commissioner Taylor read the reasons for the closed session as listed below. Commissioner Hanley seconded the mo�on. Mr. Krantz asked for roll call: Ayes: Commissioners Chizmar, Taylor, Hanley, E�ng. Nays: None. Mo�on carried 4–0. Mr. Krantz said the mee�ng would not return to open session. The mee�ng closed at 7:36 pm. 10 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(1). B. Topics of Discussion: v 1. To Discuss the Appointment of Officials to the Town Boards, Commissions, and Commitees 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. XIV. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Taylor mo�oned to adjourn the mee�ng. Commissioner Hanley seconded the mo�on. All in favor. The mee�ng adjourned at 7:47 pm. APPROVED: December 15, 2025 Signature on file_______________ Paula S. E�ng, Chair Board of Town Commissioners Signature on file___________ Michael L. Krantz, Town Clerk 11