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HomeMy WebLinkAbout071016 October 16, 2007 Hagerstown, Maryland JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION County Commissioners John Barr, Kristin Aleshire, Terry Baker, and James Kercheval met with the Board of Education at 8:10 a.m. The following Board of Education members were present: Roxanne Ober, Paul Bailey, Ruth Anne Callaham, William Staley, Donna Brightman, Wayne Ridenour, and Bernadette Wagner. Staff members making presentations were Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Superintendent of Schools; Boyd Michael, Assistant Superintendent for School Operations; Donna Hanlin, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Instruction, Boyd Michael, Assistant Superintendent for School Operations; and Michael Peplinski, Director of Maintenance and Operations. Antietam Academy – Follow-up Discussion Donna Hanlin and Boyd Michael met with the Commissioners to provide additional information regarding their request that the County reinstate funding for planning to expand the Antietam Academy facility and to answer any questions they may have about the project. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he has concerns regarding the per-student cost for the project, not the need for the building. He suggested that they look at possible ways to lower costs. Mr. Michael stated that the building would be designed to facilitate evening high school and summer school students. He indicated that the Board has investigated the possibility of purchasing and renovating an existing facility. Commissioner Aleshire had questions regarding construction figures. The estimated cost for planning funds is $426,000 which could be taken from the Board’s reserves. Dr. Morgan stated that she would like to have the Commissioners’ approval for the concept of building the Antietam Academy. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to support the project and to give their approval to move forward with the geotechnical study. Comprehensive Maintenance Plan for 2009 Mr. Michael and Mr. Peplinski reviewed the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan for 2009 as approved by the Board of Education. Mr. Peplinski stated that the Plan outlines the strategy for maintaining the facilities and includes the list of scheduled, unscheduled, and deferred maintenance projects. Mr. Michael noted that they have been “whittling down” the list over the last 5-7 years. The meeting was opened for questions. Future Sites for School System Growth Mr. Michael distributed a map outlining the areas in the County that would be appropriate for potential future sites for a new high school and elementary schools. Also discussed was the need to acquire land for the proposed West City Elementary, North County Elementary, and East City High. Commissioner Aleshire stated that they need to discuss properties in general terms but reminded them that they would also have to consider the costs involved to extend water and sewer services and for adequate road systems. He asked that they find the most cost-effective, efficient location. Dr. Morgan indicated that it would be a four-year process once the site is identified. Mrs. Ober suggested that they could also consider a land swap. It was the consensus to appoint a small group consisting of Board of Education and County staff to identify sites and provide options for consideration. Greg Murray, County Administrator, agreed to have the County’s Real Property Administrator identify the owners of possible sites and develop a short list for the group to begin discussions. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 9:40 a.m. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 9:52 a.m. by President John F. Barr with the following members present: Vice President Terry L. Baker, and Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire; and James F. Kercheval. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Barr, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE TWO APPROVAL OF MINUTES – OCTOBER 2 & 9, 2007 Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of October 2 and 9, 2007, with revisions. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Aleshire commented on “The Regional Update” newsletter he received from Frostburg University which included State economic data. He noted the comment period for the environmental assessment at the Antietam Battlefield National Park. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he attended the South County Democrat Club meeting. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he and County Administrator Greg Murray attended the strategic planning session for a senior-friendly county. He reported on the Planning Commission workshop. Commissioner Kercheval commended the County staff that volunteered for the United Way Day of Caring. Commissioner Barr stated that he attended the kick-off ceremony for the United Way Day of Caring event. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES Dee Hawbaker, Acting Human Resources Director, introduced the following new County employees: Amy Stahl (Water Quality); Jason Kennedy (Sheriff’s Department); Brian Gsell (Sheriff’s Department); Rebecca Macuch (Sheriff’s Department); Casey Nogle (Sheriff’s Patrol); Joseph Gustaf, II (Solid Waste); Bradley Ditto (Water Quality); and G. William Sonnik (Human Resources). The Commissioners welcomed the new employees and wished them well in their new positions. (Commissioner Wivell arrived at the meeting at 10:06 a.m.) HUMAN SERVICE TRANSPORTATION COORDINATION UPDATE Dave Jordan, Director of the Community Action Council (CAC), and Elisabeth Fetting, representing KFH Group, Inc., appeared before the Commissioners to provide an update on the Human Service Transportation Coordination Plan. Other members of the subcommittee in attendance were Rod MacRae, Washington County Health Department; William Beard, Chair of the Commission on Aging Board; and Norman Bassett, Disabilities Coordinator. Mr. MacRae stated that this is the second year of a possible four-year funding cycle. The funding from FY 2008 will be used to hire a transportation coordinator to establish the office and the necessary infrastructure. Ms. Fetting provided background information and the results of the consultant’s study to maximize the transportation resources of public and private agencies to allow them to be used more extensively and prevent duplication and/or improve services if coordinated by a central office. She stated that the single biggest challenge will be obtaining vehicles. Ms. Fetting reviewed possible grant funds that would be available for this purpose. She stated that the CAC has agreed to serve as the coordinator for portions of the transportation programs currently being conducted. Ms. Fetting also reviewed a draft operating budget for the program. She estimated an annual cost of $740,000 and provided the costs to each participating agency for the service. Mr. Jordan stated that the subcommittee is nearing the formalization of a memorandum of understanding between the Commission on Aging, CAC, United Cerebral Palsy of Central Maryland, Horizon Goodwill Industries, the ARC of Washington County, Washington County Health Department, and the Washington County Public Transportation Department. He informed the Commissioners that they expect the coordinated services to begin July 1, 2008. Mr. Jordan indicated that a representative of each participating agency would serve on the CAC Board of Directors. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. The Commissioners thanked the subcommittee for the information. OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE THREE CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION Cliff Anderson commented on the need for additional transportation services for disabled persons in Washington County. COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES John Martirano, County Attorney, stated that he and his staff attended the Planning Commission’s workshop yesterday regarding the pending text amendment and the revised procedures for rezoning cases. APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE – GIS SPECIALIST POSITION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve the request to advertise to fill the vacant GIS Specialist position in the Information Technologies (IT) Department. Unanimously approved. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Norman Bassett, Disabilities Coordinator, reported on the Western Maryland Disabilities Forum that was held yesterday at Robinwood Medical Center. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS – CONTINUED Commissioner Wivell reported on the meeting held by Governor O’Malley with County Commissioners from Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties last week to address the upcoming special legislative session on budget issues. He stated that the Governor promised that he would not balance the State budget through reductions to the counties and reviewed his proposed budget plan. Commissioner Wivell said that Governor O’Malley indicated that there could be a reduction in new school construction funding from $400 million to $300 million and a smaller than projected increase in Thornton funds. PRESENTATION AND REVIEW OF DRAFT CHARTER Jeannie Singer, Chair of the Home Rule Charter Board, appeared before the Commissioners to present the draft of the proposed Charter for Washington County. Charter Board members Brien Poffenberger, Mary Ellen Waltemire, David Hanlin, Lee Downey, Tom Berry, and Sharon Leatherman, were also in attendance. Ms. Singer stated that the Charter is still in draft form; however, it will be final when presented to the Commissioners on October 30. The Charter provides all rights and powers of local self-government and home rule. It will be on the ballot in the February 2008 election. Ms. Singer stated that the overall feedback at the public meetings has been fairly positive. She urged the Commissioners to ask any questions they have as they go through the presentation. Ms. Singer then reviewed the draft Charter. She noted that the biggest change from the current structure would be increasing the size of the board from five to seven Councilmembers, five that would be nominated and elected in separate Council districts and two members elected at-large by the entire County. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he is not a supporter of election by districts and feels that the Council should look at the County as a whole on each vote. The Commissioners also had concerns regarding the composition of the districts and whether the highest concentration of voters in the metropolitan area would elect the majority of the council. Ms. Singer stated that the Board decided not to include an elected County Executive in the draft but to continue with an appointed County Administrator, which would be called the Chief Administrative Officer. She also reviewed the legislative and executive powers of the Council and noted that enacting legislation would require four positive votes. Ms. Singer discussed the Budget and Finance Article and Miscellaneous provisions. The Commissioners discussed the borrowing limitations and the limit of outstanding indebtedness included in the draft of five percent of the assessable base of the County. She stated that the Board is requesting the County Commissioners’ input on the draft Charter and asked that the Commissioners forward any comments to the Charter Board by October 23. In answer to the Commissioners’ question, she indicated that the final vote on the draft OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE FOUR Charter was 8-1. At this time, Mr. Berry presented a minority report in opposition to the draft Charter as presented. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 12:09 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:32 p.m. by President John F. Barr, with the following members present: Vice President Terry L. Baker, and Commissioners Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. TRI-COUNTY 911 DATA PROJECT COMPLETION & GIS UPDATE Bud Gudmundson, GIS Manager, and John Latimer, Director of the Division of Fire & Emergency Services, informed the Commissioners that the Tri-County 911 Data Project is now complete. The geographic data compiled for use in the 911- dispatch system was installed and is now in use. He stated that the software locates the source of a 911 call and displays it on-screen in a detailed mapping context to allow emergency responders to be routed to them as quickly as possible. Mr. Gudmundson noted that this project has been an integral part of the Enterprise GIS implementation. He stated that the data will be utilized by other County departments. Mr. Gudmunson provided a history of the project and stated that Allegany County was the lead agency on the project. He thanked County staff who participated in the project as well as those in Allegany and Garrett Counties. The meeting was opened for questions. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to adopt the revisions to the Digital Spatial Data Distribution Policy AT-2 to transfer the data from the Planning Department to the GIS Office. Unanimously approved. PROPOSED FEE INCREASE FOR BOYS & GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER BASKETBALL LEAGUE Jaime Dick, Recreation Director, met with the Commissioners to request a fee increase for the Boys & Girls High School Summer Basketball League. He informed the Commissioners that the Washington County Basketball Officials Association has requested an increase to $50 per game for the 2008 Summer League. Mr. Dick stated that they have agreed to the increase but are requesting that this price be locked in for a three-year period. He proposed that a sliding fee be approved to raise League entry fees to offset the increase for the officials. Mr. Dick reviewed the fee proposal for 2008: 1-2 County teams - $475; 3-4 County teams - $450; 5 or more County teams - $400; and Non-County teams - $600. The meeting was then opened for discussion. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the fee increases as presented for the Boys & Girls High School Summer Basketball League as provided by Recreation Department. Commissioner Aleshire proposed an amendment to include that the fee increase be contingent upon the Washington County Basketball Officials Association agreeing to a three-year contract. There was no second to the proposed amendment. The Main Motion carried with Commissioners Wivell, Kercheval, Baker and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioner Aleshire voting “No.” Mr. Dick reminded the Commissioners that “The Park at Dark” Halloween event would be held at Doubs Woods County Park on October 20. There are 200 participants registered for the event. PROCLAMATION – JFK 50-MILE ULTRA MARATHON AND REQUEST FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Mike Spinnler, JFK 50-Mile Ultra Marathon Director, and Tom Riford, Executive Director of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, appeared before the Commissioners to provide an update on the JFK 50-Mile Ultra Marathon. Mr. Riford stated that over 2,600 hotel room overnight stays are generated in the County that weekend. Mr. OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE FIVE Spinnler noted that participant safety is a concern and reviewed the improvements that have been made for this year’s race on November 17. Mr. Riford asked the Commissioners to consider providing $2,500 as a match to the CVB support to provide for police and emergency services assistance for the race. He stated that the funds could be paid through the County’s share of hotel rental tax. Greg Murray, County Administrator, informed Mr. Spinnler that Sheriff Mullendore was unable to attend the meeting but requested that Mr. Spinner meet with him regarding safety concerns and the possible relocation of the route on Dam #4 and Spielman Roads. Mr. Spinnler stated that he would meet with him but was doubtful that the route could be relocated in that area. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Baker, to reimburse the Washington County Sheriff’s Department for overtime costs for the JFK 50-Mile Ultra Marathon, in an amount not to exceed $2,500, to be taken from the hotel rental tax fund. Unanimously approved. Commissioner Baker presented Mike Spinnler a proclamation commending the JFK 50-Mile Organization for the positive impact of the race on County residents. The Commissioners recognized it as the largest, oldest, and most prestigious athletic event of its kind. DISCUSSION OF RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY EXCISE TAX TASK FORCE The Commissioners discussed the recommendations made by the Excise Tax Task Force at the October 9 meeting. Mr. Murray presented information based on forecasted revenues for residential permits for the FY 2008-2013 budgets and the corresponding revenue that should have been derived, and an adjusted program based on the current forecast based on the market conditions. He noted the shortfall from the original number given the current projects. Mr. Murray reviewed four scenarios based on gradual, moderate and rapid recovery. He stated that the Commissioners need to decide what they feel is the proper rate of recovery and the rate to recover as far as infrastructure needs. Commissioner Aleshire debated the scenarios stating that they assume that the same services would still be needed in the same amount of time if growth is slowed. He stated that the school deficiencies are due to current conditions and not because of new homes. Commissioner Kercheval indicated that new homes have impacted current inadequacies and without the necessary funds to complete the currently proposed school projects on time, the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance would stop the development of many new homes. The Commissioners discussed the amounts that would be generated through new construction, including multi- family projects and additions. They indicated that additional information was needed regarding developments built within the municipalities, commercial development, and clarification on how the components of the tax are applied. The Commissioners discussed the recommendation of the Task Force to charge $2.00 per square foot. No consensus could be reached on this issue and they agreed to review this matter again when they receive the additional information requested. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to, in concept, approve the Task Force’s recommendations to eliminate the exemption for elderly housing and to develop a separate policy with regard to affordable/workforce housing; to base excise tax on residential construction on construction activity instead of dwelling units; to assess residential additions at a rate of 50% of the indicated rate for new construction; that the excise tax amount for multi-family residential units be charged at a rate comparable to that of single-family residential units based on total gross square footage; to exempt farm construction, government construction, residential accessory structures, schools, redevelopment areas, enterprise zones and religious corporations, based upon the review and clarification of definitions; to revise Section 7(e) of the ordinance to eliminate “that primarily provide additional capacity.”; to eliminate Section 13 dealing with Affordable and Workforce Housing from the Ordinance; to clarify the intent of Section 3A(b); and to strike “including additions” from the flat rate to be charged for habitable square footage for single-family, duplexes and OCTOBER 16, 2007 PAGE SIX townhouses. The Commissioners agreed to discuss the remaining recommendations in the near future. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to convene in closed session at 4:19 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, compensation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; and other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to reconvene in open session at 4:26 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, assignment, and/or compensation of appointees, employees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; and discussed personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals. Present during closed session were Commissioners John F. Barr, Terry L. Baker, Kristin B. Aleshire, James F. Kercheval, and William J. Wivell. Also present at various times were: Gregory Murray, County Administrator; and Joni Bittner, County Clerk. APPOINTMENTS – AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Baker, to appoint Richard Seibert, J.D. Rinehart, Marlin Martin, Hal Spielman, and David Herbst to the Agricultural Marketing Advisory Committee for three-year terms and to appoint Brien Poffenberger (Chamber of Commerce), Lynn Little (Extension Office), and Tim Troxell (Economic Development Commission) or their designees as ex-officio, non-voting members. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to adjourn at 4:27 p.m. Unanimously approved. _____________________________, County Administrator _____________________________, County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk