Rockfield Manor Patio Bid Awarded; Development Regulations Altered

8 p.m. The meeting is adjourned.

7:58 p.m. The commissioners awarded a bid of $26,950 to Frank J. Goettner Construction of Kingsville to resurface the Ewing Street parking lot. Director of Public Works Randy Robertson said the lot was damaged during the Feb. 2010 blizzard.

Additional money to pay for the bid was provided by a FEMA grant.

7:54 p.m. A resolution that would help move   was passed. In a contract with Branch Banking and Trust Company, the town owes $1,032,400 for the purchase of 33–37 S. Main Street.

The town will pay $800,000 from its unreserved fund balance and take out a tax-exempt loan of $750,000. A $50,000 deposit was made in August.

7:51 p.m. The bid was approved unanimously.

7:50 p.m. The commissioners approved awarding a contract bid of $32,100 to Akehurst Landscape of Joppa to rebuild the patio at .

Director of Planning Kevin Small said the work involves removing the existing small patio and constructing a larger patio.

The project will be funded by the Greater Bel Air Community Foundation and Rockfield Foundation, a pair of grants.

"This is no cost to the taxpayers of Bel Air," Commissioner Terence Hanley noted.

Town Administrator Chris Schlehr noted that Small designed the project, which saved the town money.

It's not a capacity increase as much as a facility improvement, Schlehr said.

"It also allows for events to be in one area," Small said. "Typically folks who rent that place out want to be all in once place."

The project is projected to get underway Oct. 24 and will likely be completed within a month to six weeks, Small said.

7:45 p.m. The ordinance has been passed unanimously. The town development regulations will be revised under general code standards format.

7:44 p.m. Small concluded his presentation with a recommendation that the ordinance be passed.

"It really truly is housekeeping," Carey said.

No residents spoke during the public hearing.

7:43 p.m. By the way, since I mentioned Susan Burdette is here, I should add that the other challenger in the election, , is not. with Andy Harris.

7:40 p.m. Director of Planning Kevin Small is discussing an ordinance that would put the development regulations code under the general town code.

This would allow it to be viewed on the town's website, Small said.

7:38 p.m. The town is being presented with the Local Government Insurance Trust Grant Award. The is receiving $1,375 to help with leadership training.

Commissioner Edward Hopkins accepted the award on the town's behalf.

"Training like this is important," said Hopkins, a former police officer.

Timothy S. Ailsworth, executive director of LGIT, presented the award.

7:33 p.m. Town information technology employees Joshua Forth and Al White are being recognized by the town. Forth was recently hired as the new IT specialist .

Before Forth was hired, the town .

They were both presented with gift certificates.

7:32 p.m.  fifth-grader Christopher Roberts was recognized by Mayor David Carey for a student achievement award.

7:29 p.m. The meeting is underway with all commissioners present.

Susan Burdette, a candidate for town commissioner in the , is also here.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. See the attached agenda, or for a full preview, click here.