Bel Air commissioners praise storm response, approve agenda and move to closed session

Bel Air Mayor and commissioners met in a Jan. 27 work session that opened at 5:15 p.m., approved the evening's agenda by unanimous vote and then heard staff updates on several town matters, including pedestrian‑safety improvements, snowstorm response and proposed changes to local sign and traffic programs.

Town Administrator Eddie told the board that State Highways plans to install “rectangular rapid flashing beacons at that intersection that will activate when kids cross the street,” referring to the crossing at Route 924 and Idyllwild Road. He also briefed commissioners on a Lions Club derby in May that staff expects will include 32 cars and two races for disabled children and noted several agenda items coming for future work sessions, including parking legislation and a charter‑change request.

Commissioners spent time reviewing staff paperwork on recent snow operations. Public‑works leadership reported the department operated continuously through the storm — deploying 10 plow trucks, applying approximately 100 tons of salt and completing a 39.5‑hour sustained operation — and received praise from multiple commissioners for planning and execution. The police chief described a multi‑agency response to a missing 15‑year‑old autistic youth who was located and returned safely; the department posted a short video of the search on its Facebook page, the chief said.

The board debated wind/feather sign rules and a major policy update to the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) during the meeting. On procedural business, Commissioner Chismar moved to approve the agenda and Chair Eddy seconded; the clerk read the roll and the motion passed with all voting “Aye.” Later, Commissioner Taylor moved to enter a closed session under the Maryland Open Meetings Act to discuss appointments and sensitive security details related to the Dec. 31, 2025 utility‑pole fire; the motion, seconded by Commissioner Chismar, passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned into closed session; commissioners indicated no further public business would be conducted after the closed session.