Politics & Government

Bel Air Commissioners Discuss Budget, Contracts

The regular meeting of the Bel Air Board of Commissioners takes place at 7:30 p.m.

8:08 p.m.: The meeting is adjourned.

8:08 p.m.: Commissioner Preston encouraged everyone to get out and vote Tuesday.

8:06 p.m.: All vote in favor of accepting the budget for introduction.

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8:05 p.m.: Carey said the Harford County rebate appears larger.

8:04 p.m.: Schlehr proposed increasing the cost of parking in the parking garage from $0.40 to $0.50 in keeping with other meters throughout town to support debt service.

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8:02 p.m.: The sewer budget includes a $0.13 increase from the county. At the same time there will be a $0.16 increase in the town’s rate this year, that increase is automatic, according to Schlehr.

8:02 p.m.: We will be resurfacing nine curbs and sidewalks next year, Schlehr said.

8:01 p.m.: The town plans to update the telephone system in all town offices. Medical insurance will go up about $52,000, Schlehr said.

8:01 p.m.: The town will also concentrate on bicycle and pedestrian connectivity as part of a seven-year plan.

7:59 p.m.: A three percent cost of living increase is included for all employees since they have not received a raise for several years, Schlehr said.

7:59 p.m.: Installation of a light at Boulton and Gateway is among the proposed projects for the coming fiscal year.

7:58 p.m.: “While fiscal year 2013 is a flat year, we have enough to sustain us, we don’t see any decrease in services,” Schlehr said.

7:57 p.m.: The proposed budget balanced at a little over $15 million is a decrease from the Fiscal Year 2012 budget.

7:57 p.m. “This year we have zero increase,” Schlehr said of property tax revenue.

7:56 p.m.: “Our tax rate hasn’t changed,” Schlehr said. The constant yield rate also remains the same.

7:55 p.m.: Town Administrator Chris Schlehr said this is the introduction and just the first step in the process. A public hearing should be held on the budget by May 2012.

7:54 p.m.: Burdette moves to introduce the town administrator’s fiscal year 2013 budget.

7:54 p.m.: The board votes unanimously in favor of awarding the contract.

7:53 p.m.: The planting was delayed due to funding shortfalls and state highway repaving.

7:52 p.m.: Reier proposed awarding a contract to Ashton Manor Environmental for about $6,600 to plant trees along South Main Street.

7:52 p.m.: All vote in favor of awarding the contract.

7:51 p.m.: Robertson said the season is weather dependent.

7:50 p.m.: For the amount of mowing 605 is an unbelievably good price, David Carey said.

7:48 p.m.: A contract for town-wide mowing services is proposed. The proposed contract is with JD Lawn Services for $605 per mowing. There are an estimated 28 mowing sessions a year. The company has done the work for the past five mowing seasons and has performed well, Robertson said.

7:48 p.m.: All vote in favor of the proposal.

7:45 p.m.: The embankment without repairs could fail soon, Robertson said of this third pond. This impacts 125 households. The total cost per household is $332.

7:44 p.m.: Commissioner Robert Preston moved to award Angler Environmental the contract for a third storm water pond, this project totaling $41,170.

7:44 p.m.: The motion was approved unanimously.

7:42 p.m.: The homeowner’s association is technically supposed to do this work and so the project will be billed to impacted homeowners. The estimated total cost per household is a little more than $450 total to be billed over a period of time, director of public works Randy Robertson said.

7:40 p.m.: Burdette moved to award a contract to Angler Environmental for $76,132 to repair a storm water pond in Major’s Choice.

7:40 p.m.: The board approved the proposal unanimously.

7:39 p.m.: The system will have to 55” commercial grade televisions in the rotunda where the board holds regular meetings.

7:38 p.m.: Oliver explained there is an increasing need for video presentations in the rotunda.

7:37 p.m.: Commissioner Robert Reier moved to award a proposal from BPC Inc. to install a video system.

7:37 p.m.: Carey moves to approve the resolution. The motion carries unanimously.

7:36 p.m.: A public hearing on the resolution begins. There are no comments from the public or the board.

7:35 p.m.: Director of Administration Joyce Oliver introduced a resolution imposing fines associated with violations of the new ethics code. The code was approved, but the town charter requires fees be approves separately.

7:34 p.m.: “Anyone who shows up without a kite will get a kite,” Commissioner David Carey said. Ault said they will likely have 250 kites to give away.

7:31 p.m.: March 31 through May 6 2012 is designated for Kite appreciation. This is the seventh year that Bel Air resident Allen Ault organized the event. April 14 will be Kite Day in the town of Bel Air.

7:30 p.m.: Commissioner Susan Burdette calls Allen Ault and Melissa Rivas to the front to present a proclamation regarding Kite Day.

7:30 p.m.: The meeting is called to order.

7:29 p.m.: The commissioners file in and take their seats.


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