Bel Air Commissioners Discuss Legislation

8:25 p.m.: The town meeting is adjourned.

8:22 p.m.: Bel Air town police and town employees are well prepared for these kinds of events, Hopkins said.

8:20 p.m.: "We are not immune from the effects of a hurricane, nor are we immune from the effects of a tornado as we saw this past week," Hopkins said.

8:19 p.m.: Mayor Hopkins said he was moved by the flag day event in town and Memorial Day ceremony. Hopkins also said it is the start of hurricane season and town residents need to continue to prepare for tropical storms.

8:18 p.m.: To quote Mr. Early the town really had their "A game on" Reier said.

8:17 p.m.: Reier said there were more people registered for the town run this year than any previous year.

8:16 p.m.: Commissioner Robert Preston said he is glad to see the Bobcat mascot is on the way and the July 4th parade will pass by the school again.

8:14 p.m.: Mayor Edward Hopkins asked if anyone had public comment, directing his question specifically to Patch and Aegis reporters, the only two people in attendence.

8:14 p.m.: All vote in favor of introducing this ordinance.

8:13 p.m.: We’re trying to expand the use of 8 hour vouchers to Lee Street, Alice Ann Street, Hickory Avenue and the parking garage. The cost would be about $3.00 a day, which works out to a discount of a dollar a day.

8:11 p.m.: The existing garage was the subject of a study was done that estimated updates of the garage would cost about $900,000 and the meter rate was increased to .50 cents an hour. There are also several areas slated to get new meters this year, town planner Kevin Small said.

8:10 p.m.: Reier introduced an ordinance amending the code surrounding parking fees and meter installations.

8:10 p.m.: All vote in favor of changing the parade route.

8:06 p.m.: “I think it will streamline,” Chief Leo Matrangola said. He explained the town already closed off the route around it and he feels it will be a good thing for parade goers.

8:05 p.m.: The Independence Day committee asked for a change in the parade route this year, extending past the usual turn to Idlewild instead.

8:03 p.m.: Oliver said the Skyline installed the county fiber line and staff requests the town use the same provider for installing cameras. The contract is for about $6,000.

8:03 p.m.: A proposed contract for fiber installation was introduced.

8:02 p.m.: All vote in favor of introducing the resolution.

8:01 p.m.: Joyce Oliver, director of administration, said the resolution removes fees that are no longer applicable in town such as a fingerprinting charge. The town police no longer conduct fingerprinting.

8:01 p.m.: Carey introduced a resolution altering the town’s fee schedule.

8:00 p.m.: All vote in favor of awarding the contract.

7:59 p.m.: We are hoping to have the sculpture installed by the end of the year, hopefully by November, Henderson said.

7:57 p.m.: Henderson clarified a question from Rier that $50,000 was donated for the sculpture and any money left from purchasing the sculpture will be used for lighting, installation and landscaping.

7:56 p.m.: Trish Henderson, director of economic development, said the arts commission raised $50,000 to commission this sculpture and selected a winning bid of an artist from Texas.

7:56 p.m.: Burdette introduced a proposal for a contract to commission a bronze Bobcat mascot for Bel Air High School.

7:55 p.m.: All voted in favor of awarding the contract.

7:48 p.m.: This project is being conducted with more than $100,000 in grants. Stewart and Tate were the low bid, Robertson explained.

7:48 p.m.: A contract of $300,865 for George Street Culvert is proposed.

7:47 p.m.: All vote in favor of introducing the ordinance.

7:45 p.m.: Director of Public Works Randy Robertson explained the town will this year approve the international building code, however, there will be some amendments. The town needs these rules for proper design and building as well as enforcement. Robertson said the amendments are designed to keep the document in line with what exists in town. A public hearing will be held in the future.

7:44 p.m.: Robert Reier introduced an ordinance updating the town building code be introduced. HE cited the different codes then stopped for a breath. “Did you get all that?”

7:43 p.m.: Schlehr said this account is a commitment. Moody said it won’t be a separate bank account.

7:43 p.m.: “I think this makes a little more sense, I just want to make sure we’re not trapped,” Carey said.

7:42 p.m.: Moody it’s between 20,000 and $50,000. Carey acknowledged $50,000 out of a $3 million budget is not much.

7:41 p.m.: “To what extent to we tie our hands and say that we have to do this,” Carey asked.

7:41 p.m.: A general fund capital fund is being established. The town initially began a capital projects document. The next step in using the capital improvement project plan is to start setting aside funds in an account for that purpose. Money in that account will be designated for these capital improvement projects, Moody said.

7:40 p.m.: Moody said this was the third year the company has audited the town. The board agreed with staff’s recommendation in December to extend the contract for an additional two years. All voted in favor of introducing the legislation.

7:39 p.m.: Burdette recommend award contract for professional auditing services for $16,486.