Bel Air Town Commissioner Ed Hopkins commended Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company for its work in the fire that caused at least $750,000 worth of damage and destroyed six units in Hickory Hills Condominium on Jan. 25.
“We have not seen a fire of that magnitude in town for quite some time,” Hopkins said at Monday’s town meeting, noting some residents were still asleep in their homes while the fire was blazing at the back of the building.
The combined effort of several area fire departments and local agencies “helped save lives,” Hopkins, a member of the fire company, said. No one was injured in the fire.
Hopkins also said although the middle building of the condominium unit was a total loss, the others can be repaired.
Also at Monday’s meeting, the commissioners passed three resolutions at its Feb. 1 town meeting and recognized members of its parking enforcement unit.
The resolutions officially recognized Harford County’s Semi-Annual Growth Report, which notes all schools serving Bel Air are below maximum capacity, and made changes to pension plans for sworn officers and civilians.
The changes will lower the age of retirement from 62 to 60 and allow officers who have returned to the department after leaving to recover their pension credits.
The board recognized officers Karen Dupre, Gregory Bragg and Matthew Baroch, of the police parking enforcement unit, as employees of the month.
Mayor Dave Carey commended the department of public works on snow removal after several inches fell on the region Saturday.
‘I think that was a bit of a surprise,” he said about the snowfall.
In other town news:
Hopkins, who participated in the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge over the weekend, said he helped raise $1,300 for the event.
Rockfield Manor will offer a five-course Valentine’s Day meal on Feb. 13 and 14. For reservations, call 410-638-4565.
The Bel Air Downtown Alliance is sponsoring a chocolate-and-wine event at the Bel Air Armory from 7 to 10 p.m. on March 5. For tickets, call 410-638-1023. The Chocolate Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Armory on March 6.
The Bel Air Cultural Arts Commission is sponsoring a free performance by the Irishman’s Chorale at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church at 7:30 p.m. on March 6.
A Bel Air Community Band concert will be held at 3 p.m. on March 14 at Bel Air High School.