Commissioners Make Reappointment

(UPDATE 10:24 a.m. Tuesday)—Commission reappointments and student recognitions were top priorities for the on Monday, with no new legislation on the agenda.

It was a light agenda for the commissioners, with essay winner announcements, student recognitions and proclamations dominating the night's business.

The meeting fell between the approval of the tentative Fiscal Year 2013 budget and the May 21 public hearing.

The board with a unanimous vote during its last business meeting on April 16. explained that approving the tentative budget is not a final vote to pass the budget.

The only new business before the board was a reappointment to the Economic Community Development Commission, which was approved in a 4-0 vote.

Commissioner David Carey was not present for the meeting.

8:03 p.m.: The meeting is adjourned.

8:02 p.m.: Hopkins said he has been reviewing the issues they brought to the board’s attention at the last meeting. “It’s going to sound like I’m passing the buck,” Hopkins said, going on to explain, “Your comments are not going unheeded.”

8:01 p.m.: Deborah Cassilly, 112 East Broadway, invited the commissioners to take a stroll down East Broadway and Franklin toward the elementary school. “Many school children walk,” Cassilly said. She said seeing it may change perspective on the issue.

7:59 p.m.: Jamin Mears says he is very excited to be in Bel Air with his family but expressed concerns over the close proximity of so many group homes to his residence and the elementary school. He said he agrees with Hruz.

7:58 p.m.: Hruz encouraged the commissioners to look into a group in another county who have hired an attorney in opposition to a for-profit group home.

7:57 p.m.: Robert Hruz gives public comment explaining he is opposed to another group home going in at 220 Franklin Street. “Soon to be 6 within a one block, 2 block radius of my residence,” Hruz said.

7:56 p.m.: All present vote in favor of the reappointment of one member to the economic community development commission.

7:56 p.m.: "We have a relatively short meeting tonight," Hopkins said.

7:53 p.m.: Stephanie Meadowcroft, Misst Bel Air Independence Day, urges those interested in participating in the Bel Air Independence Day Parade to apply now.

7:47 p.m.: Don Kirk from Kirk’s Farm is recognized. It’s a real pleasure serving the town, and Art is right, it’s the people that keep you coming back,” Kirk said.

7:46 p.m.: “It’s been a long time” been going for the past 30 years, and it’s the people that come who make it worthwhile,” Art Johnson said.

7:45 p.m.: Reier goes on to thank those who have been vendors for the past 25 years and present them with gift cards.

7:44 p.m.: “We’re extremely fortunate to have a very strong presence here in Bel Air as well as throughout the county,” Reier said.

7:43 p.m.: The Farmer’ Market season is kicking off this month. Commissioner Robert Reier said the event is designed to encourage residents and patrons to visit the downtown area to access local produce.

7:40 p.m.: Austin Markley with John Carroll is recognized for his student achievement.

7:35 p.m.: Becca DiRocco with Harford Day School is recognized for her student achievement.

7:32 p.m.: Mayor Edward Hopkins calls Katelyn O’Conner to the podium for recognition of her finalist placing in a mayor’s essay contest.

7:31 p.m.: The town meeting is called to order. Commissioner David Carey is not present.

7:29 p.m.: Commissioners are taking their seats.

7:26 p.m.: Town Hall is filled with about 30 people and plenty of chatter as meeting time approaches.