LIVE from Town Hall: Small Confirmed as Planning Director

Kevin Small's appointment as the town's next planning director was approved by a vote of 4–1, with Commissioner Terence Hanley against the move.

There were also three recognitions and two appointments.

The meeting was brief and included one public comment in favor of a new traffic light in town. The mayor said it will be considered in fiscal year 2012 discussions.

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7:47 p.m. The meeting is adjourned, recap to follow.

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7:46 p.m. A town citizen spoke in favor of having a traffic light placed at the intersection of Gateway Drive and Boulton Street.

"You can be sure that that will be a topic of discussion in our budget process," Carey said.

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7:45 p.m. The town approved a budget reduction of about $103,000 for fiscal year 2011. See attachment for details.

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7:42 p.m. Kevin Small has been appointed as the town's next planning director by a vote of 4–1. Commissioner Terence Hanley was the only board member to vote against the move.

Hanley spoke up in favor of Senior Planner Bob Syphard taking the position. Syphard has been serving as the interim director since .

"First and foremost I’d like to think Bob Syphard for 20 years of service to the town of Bel Air," Hanley said. "We’ve got a gentleman who served the town of Bel Air for 20 years … and can hit the ground running."

Hanley did speak respectfully of Small.

"I think he will do a wonderful job," he said. "It’s nothing personal, it’s just business."

Town Administrator Chris Schlehr was first to speak in favor of Small's appointment.

"He’s been very successful in his current position," he said. "I think he’ll be a wonderful addition and compliment to our staff."

Chris Streett was appointed to a three-year team with the Economic and Community Development Commission. Don Coates was reappointed to a five-year term with the planning commission. Town officials believe it is at least his fourth term.

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7:34 p.m. Caroline Weimer, a student at Southampton Middle School, was also recognized.

"We're honored to recognized Caroline as an upstanding person [with] moral character," Carey said.

More on Weimer to follow Wednesday.

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7:33 p.m. Dave Gigliotti is now being recognized for his contributions to the town.

"Dave’s just a part-time employee but his dedication to the town and the Armory is 100 percent," Carey said.

He also received a gift card, presumably to Target.

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7:31 p.m. "She’s a special person. She really is the face of the town of Bel Air to a lot of our employees," Chair of the Board of Commissioners David Carey said about Stafford.

She has been presented with a gift card to Target.

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7:28 p.m. The meeting is underway. The meeting will begin with a number of presentations, beginning with a recognition of Laura Stafford. She is the human resources administrative secretary.