Politics & Government

Bel Air Town Meeting November 7, 2011

The Bel Air Board of Commissioners meet for the last time before Tuesday's election.

8:08 p.m. Meeting adjourned.

8:07 p.m. Robert Reier said he agrees with the sentiments of his fellow commissioners and encourages people to vote as well as recognize Veteran’s Day.

8:06 p.m. Robert Preston said good luck to candidates, and residents, be sure to vote.

Find out what's happening in Bel Airwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

8:05 p.m. Edward Hopkins also reminded people to change batteries in smoke detectors and to clean chimney flues especially in the wake of the earthquake earlier this year.

8:04 p.m. Edward Hopkins reminded residents Wednesday will be the first federal emergency test.

Find out what's happening in Bel Airwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

8:02 p.m. David Carey asked everyone to please get out and vote because the election is tomorrow. He also wished those running good luck.

8:01 p.m. Small said sustainable communities legislation will likely be something to come up in the future so the town can be an example for the community.

8:00 p.m. Greg Adolph, 501 Lee Way, candidate for commissioner, asked Small if the development regulations cover sustainability issues

7:59 p.m. All present commissioners voted in favor of amendment.

7:59 p.m. All present commissioners voted in favor of amendment.

7:58 p.m. Kevin Small, director of planning, said several items including outdated references and procedures that were not official, were found in the development regulations ordinance.

7:57 p.m. Edward Hopkins introduces ordinance No. 744-11 which amends existing development regulation code.

7:56 p.m. Curtis Zebrink reappointed to three year term with economic and community development commission. All present voted in favor. Hanley was not present.

7:54 p.m. All present voted in favor of approving the bid. Commissioner Terence Hanley was not present for the meeting.

7:53 p.m. Midatlantic waste system is the favored bid, Robertson said. We are within budget. The old equipment is usable and we will keep that as a back up.

7:52 p.m. Randy Robertson, director of public works, said existing system needs to be replaced and is cumbersome. The new system is more technologically advanced and can store video files as well as transfer them. The department included $13,000 in the existing budget for this purchase.

7:51 p.m. Commissioner Edward Hopkins made motion to accept $12,047 bid for sewer lateral cameras.

7:50 p.m. Minutes from October 17 meeting approved as presented

7:46 p.m. Abbott said all concrete should be replaced with permeable concreted and buildings equipped with “eco toupees” or rain gardens because they can extend the roof’s lifespan.

7:45 p.m. Tyler Abbott, first place winner, read his essay. Abbot believes sustainability saves money.

7:41 p.m. Bel Air is constantly driving and a better bus system serving the Harford Mall would eliminate many cars from the roadway. Many areas are not accessible by bike or foot, Allred said, it’s important to improve existing paths and build more.

7:39 p.m. Matt Allred, second place winner, said running a sustainable town will take a lot of ingenuity and combined efforts from the community

7:38 p.m. "We only have one world, let's keep it around for a few more decades," Bredder said.

7:37 p.m. Allie Bredder, third place winner, said it’s important to think globally and act globally. Bel Air could install bike paths, which would be costly, but would pay for itself in health over the long run. It’s hard to compost here in the area. Compost and recycling centers need to be open more.

7:34 p.m. Local students read winning sustainable development essays

7:32 p.m. Dave Carey gives presentation of municipal government month. There are 156 other municipalities. We believe municipal government represents the most true form.

7:31 p.m. meeting called to order and pledge of alleigance

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. See the attached agenda.



Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here