BOARD OF TOWN COMMSSIONERS WORK SESSION. August 29, :15 P.M.

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1 BOARD OF TOWN COMMSSIONERS WORK SESSION August 29, :15 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioner Susan U. Burdette, Chair Commissioner Brandon P. Hopkins Commissioner Robert M. Preston Commissioner Patrick T. Richards via telephone L. Jesse Bane, Town Administrator Charles Dawson, Deputy Director of Public Works Trish Heidenreich, Director of Economic Development Steve Kline, Director of Public Works Michael L. Krantz, Director of Administration Lisa M. Moody, Director of Finance Charles Moore, Chief of Police Kevin L. Small, Director of Planning ABSENT: OTHERS: Commissioner Phillip L. Einhorn Aegis Representative Matt Felton, Datastory Joan Suitt, Recording Secretary APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The Town Administrator reviewed the agenda for the meeting and called for additions/corrections. The motion to approve the Agenda was approved by the Commissioners in attendance. PRESENTATIONS: Geographic Information System (GIS) Datastory Consulting The Director of Planning informed that the Geographic Information System grew out of working on the Comprehensive Plan and the Deputy Director of Public Works is involved with this system daily. The Director of Planning also advised Bob Syphard works with the system. The Director of Planning introduced Matt Felton of Datastory and advised the Town has been working with Matt on how to make this accessible to the public. Mr. Felton has worked with the GIS system for 23 years and focuses on helping smaller organizations gain access to information. 1

2 Mr. Felton advised this is presently an internal site and with more feedback/refining certain levels can be made available to citizens externally. Mr. Felton displayed and reviewed the following categories that can be updated internally: Services Request and Complaints Citizens can report an issue (an option for follow-up) My Neighborhood (self-service component for citizens) Interactive Maps Zoning Parcel Information Assessments School District Explore Bel Air (Economic Development, Entertainment, Events) Parking Dining/Shopping Parks Events Mr. Felton stated the format is easy to add images and link to a website. Mr. Felton also presented ways of measuring and managing complaints/concerns internally. Commissioner Hopkins asked if there is a way to make certain things external and gave an example of a downed tree blocking the road. Commissioner Preston also inquired about a way to classify the priority of an event. Mr. Felton advised priority fields can be added. The Chief of Police wanted to make sure people understand to call 911 if an emergency. The Commissioners will receive an inviting them to explore the GIS system. The Director of Public Works notified there are more layers needed before going public. 2

3 The Director of Economic Development informed everyone that Matt Felton won the Economic Development Marketing Award this year for his work. City of Bellaire, Texas The Town Administrator received an from Maryanna Skowronski of the Historical Society regarding the town of Bellaire, Texas that was devastated by hurricane Harvey and suggested sending supplies to this Town. Commissioner Hopkins advised Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company will be collecting supplies tomorrow and suggested contacting them. Commissioner Hopkins stated at this point, the Fire Department does not know where or how supplies will be delivered. Commissioner Hopkins is willing to make some calls to inquire about delivery options. The Director of Economic Development will have Sandy Saunders reach out to Maryanna Skowronski and find out what her ideas may be. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR: Mobilite Rights of Way & Pole Attachment Request for Sprint Mobile The Town Administrator and the Director of Administration met with a representative from Mobilite regarding a second draft proposing the amount they are willing to pay the Town for use of its poles. Mobilite was advised further discussions were needed and the Town was not prepared to negotiate. The Director of Administration advised the pole attachments are repeaters for Sprint Mobile that will increase the signal and provide additional services for citizens. The Director of Administration presented a PowerPoint showing the type of equipment and location of the poles. The Commissioners decided they do not want equipment placed on Main Street, Baltimore Pike, or the Town s decorative lampposts. Commissioner Hopkins stated we must also realize other companies will want to come in with the same proposal. Commissioner Richards had the same concern. The Director of Planning advised Town Code states anytime someone wants to attach an antenna to existing utility poles there is no 3

4 zoning approval, but approval from the Director of Public Works is required. Commissioner Hopkins inquired about the position Maryland Municipal League (MML) is taking on the issue. The Town Administrator previously sent an to MML asking to keep the Town informed and nothing yet has been received. The Town Administrator advised there is a scheduled meeting with the Town Administrators of Aberdeen and Havre de Grace and he will find out if they have current information. The Town Administrator asked if the Commissioners wanted to hold a Public Hearing before voting on any agreement. Commissioner Hopkins is opposed to the request. Commissioner Richards is not able to decide without knowing the proposal, understanding the revenues and the liability of other vendors coming in. Commissioner Preston stated it may be more palatable to put the equipment on back streets/alleys rather than clutter the main streets. The Town Administrator reminded the Commissioners a law was passed by the Federal Government that caused Mobilite to feel it can go into municipalities putting the equipment anywhere and without consent of a municipality. The Town Administrator will obtain a copy of this legislation. The Director of Planning suggested consulting with Mr. Keenan about our position and how the Town Code is written to see if it will withstand a test in court. Commissioner Preston felt MML should be able to give the Town some guidelines/feedback. Commissioner Richards recommended pushing back to see what Mobilite may come back with and then consult with Mr. Keenan. The Town Administrator will contact Mobilite saying the Commissioners decided to put this matter on hold. Meanwhile, the recommendations/concerns made at this meeting will be examined and discussion to continue. Tour Emergency Operations Center The Town Administrator informed that during the exercise completed in April, we learned the Armory is not the best place to have as a 4

5 back-up for our Town Hall facility in the event of a major disaster. Staff will tour the Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday, September 27 th at 10:00 a.m. to learn more about the center and what it has to offer. The Town Administrator advised any Commissioners interested in attending should meet in the Center s lobby by 10:00 a.m. 1 East Lee Street Property The Town Administrator reported the property owner notified the Town that 1 East Lee Street is being sold and asked if the Town would be interested in purchasing the property. This property is a fourapartment building located next to the Armory and will be appraised by the owner. The Town Administrator spoke about a 5 Year Plan for the Armory improvements. If the Town purchases this property, it could be converted to use as part of the plan. The Town Administrator asked if the Commissioners are interested in looking at this further. Commissioner Preston asked what the plan includes. The Town Administrator advised the property could solve some parking issues at the Armory. The Commissioners are interested in looking at the appraisal. AGENDA FOR TOWN MEETING (Tuesday, September 5, 2017): Public Hearing: The Director of Administration advised the following Ordinance and Resolutions were received by the Town Commissioners and the Public Hearings will be held September 5, Ordinance No Vehicle Immobilization and Impoundment Code Amendment Resolution No Vehicle Immobilization Boot Installation and Removal Fee Resolution No Authorizing the Declaration and Sale of Unused Town Property Parcel adjacent to 331 Baltimore Pike Resolution No Armory Fee Schedule Amendments The Director of Administration advised the Armory Fee Schedule had an error in the security portion. When Town police officers are utilized 5

6 for security the fee is assessed based upon cost to the Town. Using the Auxiliary, the fee is assessed on the rates in the Fee Schedule. Commissioner Richards inquired about security deposits. The Director of Administration explained there is a refundable security deposit and the Town is currently requiring it. The check for security deposit is not cashed and 100% refundable unless there is damage to the facility. Old Business: The Director of Administration reported after the Public Hearing the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioner will vote on the following: Ordinance No Vehicle Immobilization and Impoundment Code Amendment Resolution No Vehicle Immobilization Boot Installation and Removal Fee Resolution No Authorizing the Declaration and Sale of Unused Town Property Parcel adjacent to 331 Baltimore Pike Resolution No Armory Fee Schedule Amendments New Business: Police Department Vehicle and Related Equipment Purchases The Chief of Police reviewed purchase documentation for 3 patrol vehicles with accessory packages for a cost of $127, Reappointment Board of Election Judges The Director of Administration notified previous Election Judges who are interested in reappointment and will come before the Town Board for approval. STAFFING UPDATE: The Director of Administration advised there is a tentative offer for the full time PCO candidate and background checks are being made at this time. The Laborer posting was extended through the end of the week and interviews will then begin. CALENDAR: The Director of Administration distributed the calendar for September and October. 6

7 Employee Appreciation Crab Feast The Crab Feast is scheduled for September 8 th, 6:00 p.m. at the Equestrian Center. The Director of Finance advised confirmation of those attending needs to be sent to Kathy Kares in the Police Department by Friday, September 1st. Office and Courtland Streets Public Hearing on September 27, 2017 Chair Burdette inquired about a public hearing on September 27 th was mentioned previously. that The Director of Planning advised it is an in-put meeting, to gather feedback, in association with the work being done on Office and Courtland Streets. Invitations will go out to property owners who front the two streets. The meeting is at Town Hall, 6:00 p.m. MISSCELLANEOUS: Commissioners Financial Report The Director of Finance reviewed the Commissioners Financial Report. Commissioner Hopkins stated he appreciates the report. LIAISON REPORTS: Commissioner Hopkins reminded everyone that Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company is looking for donations of water, baby food, pet food, nonperishable food, toiletries and wheel chairs/walkers for the victims of Harvey in Texas. Chair Burdette advised that the Harford Heart contains an outstanding article on Community Policing and Economic Development. Chair Burdette informed of the following: Harford County Good Scout Award Town Administrator Bane and Chair Burdette will attend. Opioid s meeting Harford Awards Dinner Chair Burdette unable to attend due to Town Board meeting the same night. The Director of Economic Development advised Angela Robertson will attend. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. 7

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