Town of Bel Air

The primary agenda item was the discussion and subsequent approval of Resolution 1261-25, which concerned the appointment of Kristen S. Foss as a commissioner to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of James B. Rotage III. Commissioners expressed strong support for the new appointee, citing her extensive family history of public service to the town and her own involvement with the Cultural Arts Commission. Following the appointment, a swearing-in ceremony was conducted for Commissioner Foss. Commissioners also discussed the date and time of the next work session meeting, scheduled for January 13th, and an upcoming Christmas celebration on January 7th. Additionally, a commissioner commented on receiving historic Belair Centennial plates from 1974, which will be archived.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of the new chair, Jimmy Hines, and a tribute to the former chair, Lois Gizinger Kelly. Key discussions focused on the application for a special development site plan and landscape plan for Brookside Market to convert and expand an existing structure into a restaurant at 126 North Maine, zoned B2. Staff noted several administrative corrections needed for the site plan, including clarifying square footage, seat counts, and acreage discrepancies. Specific concerns were raised regarding the proposed trash dumpster pad, the need for pedestrian access, clarification on a grease trap, and relocation/specification of an existing sign. Landscape review requires detailed information including plant specifics, calculations for code compliance, and professional sealing; existing violations related to a landscape buffer and recycling containers were noted as addressed by the submission. Architectural consultants provided comments regarding the HVAC unit location and screening, and the materials/finishes of the proposed walk-in cooler/freezer addition, noting potential non-compliance with harmony codes. Discussions on the outdoor dining area covered restrictions on amplified music/entertainment and the implications of enclosing the seasonal area regarding parking requirements.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. A primary focus was the public hearing regarding Ordinance 851-25, which amends the Town Code sections concerning performance standards and development guidelines related to taverns with entertainment, microbreweries, wineries, distilleries, cannabis businesses, and liquor stores. Several business owners and community members provided testimony seeking clarification on the proposed separation distances and potential impacts on existing and planned businesses, especially concerning licensing and economic competitiveness. The Town Attorney provided detailed explanations regarding state law consistency, required state-mandated setbacks (500 feet for cannabis businesses from sensitive uses, 300 feet for liquor stores/taverns from schools/places of worship), and proposed changes to residential separation distances (reduced to 100 feet). The board then moved to vote on Ordinance 851-25, version two, to supersede prior amendments. Additionally, the meeting included the presentation of a certificate of appreciation to the Harford County Fire Police volunteers for their service to the community, detailing their support during events and emergencies.

The work session agenda included the approval of the meeting agenda and the Town Administrator's report, for which there was none. Key discussions focused on the tentative agenda for the subsequent town meeting, specifically Ordinance 852-26, which aims to amend Chapter 37 of the Belair Town Code regarding elections. This amendment addresses new state legislation concerning the leasing of voting equipment from the Harford County Board of Elections and establishes a 90-day window for filing a certificate of candidacy. Further discussion involved proposed amendments to filing deadlines and hours. A major topic was the town boundary survey contract with Frederick Ward, which identified nine areas of concern requiring boundary correction, including issues related to Tollgate Road, Bolton Street, South Kelly, Shamrock Road Pumping Station, Leeway residential lots, Route 24, and South Atwood Road. The boundary correction tasks are planned in two phases, and the proposed contract cost of $36,650 exceeds the budgeted amount of $25,000.

The meeting focused on reviewing and receiving several ordinances related to the Town Code. Discussions included Ordinance 852-26, which amends election code to reflect the town's relationship with Harford County Board of Elections regarding voting equipment and sets a 90-day window for filing certificates of candidacy. Ordinance 853-26 involves a procedural change to widen the pool of town officials considered for appointment by including deputy directors alongside directors. Ordinance 854-26 clarifies that freestanding signs within a shopping center or mixed-use center do not violate the billboard prohibition if they are within the project area and a development agreement is in place. Ordinance 855-26 corrects permitted use tables (3-6 and 3-7) concerning the location of cannabis businesses and updates permitted uses for mixed-use centers. Finally, Ordinance 856-26 expands the prohibition of jersey barriers and barbed wire to all districts in Bair, with decisions regarding exceptions handled by the Director of Public Works.