Politics & Government

Commissioners Approve Police Holiday, Avoiding Sprawl

The Bel Air board of commissioners was all business in Monday's relatively short town meeting.

The board approved three pieces of new business and quickly adjourned Monday's town meeting.

The board approved making Thanksgiving an observed holiday for the police department this year, allowing officers who worked to recieve overtime pay. There was money set aside in the budget to accout for the estimated $2,000.

The  board endorsed the town's application to the state of Maryland to be designated a . Something similar is already in place in the town, but about to expire.

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"Smart growth concentrates new development and redevelopment in areas that have existing or planned infrastructure to avoid sprawl," according to the state Department of Planning web site.

The board removed Terence Hanley and added Susan Burdette to those approved to sign checks on the town's behalf.

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7:44 p.m.: The meeting is adjourned.

7:42 p.m.: Mayor Edward Hopkins recognizes the police department for their efforts in bringing to justice Rakim Muhammad, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder last week.

7:42 p.m.: “I was really surprised by the hoards of people who headed to hot chocolate after the parade, I kind of expected them to head home for the Ravens Game," Burdette said.

7:41 p.m.:  Commissioner Robert Preston directed community attention to the town’s ornament this year. There are still some ornaments available for sale this year at town hall.

7:41 p.m. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many people at the parade,” Reier said. He said the weather and an afternoon Ravens game worked in their favor, adding everyone involved in putting the parade together did a great job.

7:40 p.m.: Poole asked why there were more than 8 spot-a-pots by the Ewing Street parking lot. Chief Matrangola said he would look into the matter.

7:39 p.m.: French Poole extends welcome to Burdette during public comment. “Everyone over the years has done a good job and hopefully you can slip right in there,” French said.

7:38 p.m.: The state provides priorities for funding. All vote in favor of the motion and motion carries.

7:37 p.m.: Support existing communities, coordinate leverage funding, enhance economic competitiveness, provide affordable housing and provide more transportation choices are all initiatives that are part of this plan. Town staff recommends approval of the resolution, Small said.

7:35 p.m.: The current sustainability plan will expire in the coming months and the town needs a new plan to maintain its standing, Kevin Small said. The town is assembling information now.

7:34 p.m.: David Carey moves to endorse sustainable communities.

7:34 p.m.: The motion carries unanimously.

7:34 p.m.: The holiday rate is time and a half and will cost the department about $2,000.

7:32 p.m.: Robert Reier moves to approve the police holiday. Joyce Oliver said the town has several days as observed holidays and officers get paid overtime for working. Town staff recommends Thanksgiving be added to the paid holiday allotment for 2011.

7:32 p.m.: With regard to a few payroll checks, the town administrator is allowed to sign checks. In light of the election we are removing Terence Hanley’s name from the account and adding Susan Burdette’s name, Moody said.

7:31 p.m.: Robert Reier moves to approve check signing policy. Director of Finance Lisa Moody explains the policy is a house cleaning issue.

7:30 p.m.: The meeting is called to order, agenda approved and minutes from previous meeting approved.

7:29 p.m.: All commissioners are present and seated at the dais.

7:22 p.m.: Deputy Chief Chief Matrangola, Director of Public Works Randy Robertson and Director of Planning Kevin Small await the arrival of town commissioners.


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