The Bel Air Town Commissioners approved a $12,047 bid for a new sewer lateral camera during their meeting Monday evening.
The camera is to replace an outdated model, Director of Public Works Randolph Robertson, the town's director of public works, said. It was budgeted at $13,000 in the approved fiscal year 2012 budget, he said. The commissioners, except for Terence Hanley, who was not present, awarded the bid to Mid-Atlantic Waste Systems.
The new camera will have more functions and be more portable than the one it's replacing, Robertson added, but the old one will be kept on hand just in case.
The town commissioners also approved Kurt Sudbrink to three-year term on the Economic and Community Development Commission, as well as approved receipt of the development regulations amendment ordinance.
The ordinance will be up for a public hearing at the next meeting - Nov. 21 - and, according to Kevin Small, the town's planning director, fixes any outdated references and incorrect language in the current code. It also formalizes some of the procedures the town follows, but did not have in the text.
Recognitions
Three Bel Air High School students were recognized for their essays on sustainability in accordance with Municipal Government Works Month. The students in the 2011 Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics Class were asked to submit an essay detailing how the Town of Bel Air could become more sustainable and at what cost.
Tyler Abbott took first place in the contest with his essay, which suggested that concrete walkways be replaced with permeable concrete that costs about the same as traditional concrete at installation, but does not require runoff systems and saves money in the long run.
Abbott, who received a $100 CBL gift card to be used at Harford Mall or any other CBL Mall, also suggested rooftop gardens, which he called "eco toupees," requiring new construction to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certified and hosting events that promote sustainability.
Matt Allred received a $75 gift card for second place and Allie Bredder a $50 one for third place.
Other Business
In light of the information provided by the Bel Air High School students, Bel Air candidate Gregory Adolph asked Small how the town is implementing sustainable practices. In the coming months and year, Small said, the town will see several resolutions and certifications related to being a sustainable area.
Although the development amendment dealt directly with wind and solar energy, because of permitting issues, Small said other sustainable measures will come forward next.
Mayor David Carey reminded attendees of Tuesday's election, on Nov. 8 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Commissioners Terence Hanley, Robert Reier and Eddie Hopkins are up for re-election against two newcomers, Gregory Adolph, who ran in 2009, and Susan Burdette.
The election will be held at Bel Air Town Hall at 39 N. Hickory Avenue.