HomeMy WebLinkAbout080115
January 15, 2008
Hagerstown, Maryland
The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 8:40 a.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.
JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at 8:00 a.m.
The following Board of Education members were present: Roxanne
Ober, Paul Bailey, Ruth Anne Callaham, William Staley, Wayne
Ridenour, Donna Brightman 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, and Dr. Robert Spong, Facilities Planning Manager.
Update on Washington County Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition
Activities
Carrol Lourie, Director of the Washington County Teen Pregnancy
Coalition, and Meredith Williams, Board Chair, met with the
group to provide information on the activities of the Coalition
and their plans to impact the County’s high teen birth rate and
incidence of sexually transmitted infections. Ms. Williams
introduced the members of the Coalition who were in attendance
and reviewed their adopted Vision, Mission, and Values
statements.
Ms. Lourie stated that the Coalition is working to develop
partnerships with various groups in the community. She noted
that they have partnered with a Teen Advisory Group and
developed the Teens Have Choices Jeopardy Game. The Coalition
has also developed a Parent Tool Kit to assist adults in having
conversations with their children about sex. Other partnerships
include those with the public schools and Girls Inc. to deliver
informational assemblies for sixth and ninth graders, the faith
community in bringing the faith-based “Just Say Know” curriculum
to the County, and the Washington County Health Department for
the “Just For Us Girls” seminar. Ms. Lourie noted that the
Coalition’s Media Advisory Committee has created an ad and film
contest in order to spread the teen pregnancy prevention
message.
Ms. Williams reviewed the projected budget needs for FY 2009 of
$209,000 and outlined their current funding sources. Ms. Lourie
indicated that future projects include expanded follow-up time
for the assemblies, improved advertising, and securing
additional grant funding. The meeting was then opened for
discussion.
School Assessment Bridge Plan for Academic Validation
Ms. Hanlin provided background information on the Maryland High
School Assessments (HSA) exams. She stated that the State Board
reaffirmed that students must pass four HSAs as a graduation
requirement, although they eliminated the minimum passing school
requirement in using a combined score option. The State amended
its HSA regulation to include the Bridge Plan for Academic
Validation. Ms. Hanlin reviewed the options available for
students who are unsuccessful with the assessments and the
eligibility criteria to participate in the Bridge Plan. She
stated that if the Bridge Plan is chosen, the student would need
to earn enough points to make up the gap between the highest
score earned on each HSA not passed and its passing score. If
the student meets the eligibility requirements for the Bridge
Plan they must complete a single Academic Validation Project
package and complete project modules each worth a set number of
points. Ms. Hanlin also reviewed the composition of the review
panel and the process to score the results. The meeting was
opened for questions. Commissioner Aleshire expressed concerns
that the Bridge Plan is being proposed by the States to prevent
the loss of Federal “No Child Left Behind” funding. He also
asked if it is being implemented because other systems in the
State are failing to meeting the current standards and if
passing the changes decreases the overall competency level that
students need to meet.
JANUARY 15, 2008
PAGE TWO
Pupil Generation Rates
Mr. Michael and Mr. Spong reviewed the current process being
used by the Board of Education to project Pupil Generation Rates
from 14 new subdivisions for elementary, middle, and high
schools. Mr. Michael stated that they hope to determine the
impact of new developments on the school system. Commissioner
Aleshire asked about using different school generation rates
from the municipalities. Mr. Michael explained that they hope
to find a model that could merge the different databases
together, but at this time are unable to do so. He stated that
the calculations being presented are based on Use & Occupancy
Permits. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he is comfortable
using a three-year average and rounding to the second decimal
place. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to take the
proposed student generation rates under consideration to allow
additional input from the public and to place the rates on the
agenda for adoption at next week’s meeting.
Discussion on Expansion of Public Transportation
Ms. Brightman stated that parents of Boonsboro High School
Students have asked that if the County Commuter service is
expanded to the Boonsboro area that it be available for students
to use to travel to Hagerstown Community College for the Essence
Program. Commissioner Kercheval stated that the County Commuter
is funded through the Federal government and that there must be
adequate ridership to justify a route change. They also
discussed the fare structure and Federal regulations regarding
it. The Commissioners indicated that this is on their list of
goals for consideration in 2008.
RECESS
The Commissioners recessed at 9:55 a.m.
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.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – DECEMBER 11 & 18, 2007
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to
approve the minutes of December 11 and 18, 2007, with
corrections. Unanimously approved.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Baker informed the Commissioners that he attended
the meeting of the Hancock Mayor & Council. He stated that he
participated in the awards ceremony for the Hub Cup Wresting
Tournament and welcomed the Australian Basketball team at its
game with St. Maria Goretti High School.
Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended the Greater
Hagerstown Committee (GHC) meeting on downtown parking needs and
a steering committee meeting on transportation lobbying efforts.
Commissioner Barr agreed to attend the Maryland Association of
Counties (MACo) Legislative Committee meeting next Wednesday in
Annapolis to allow Commissioner Kercheval to chair the
Hagerstown-Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization
(MPO) meeting on the same day. Commissioner Kercheval stated
that he received an e-mail message from Governor O’Malley’s
office requesting that each County send him its top 4-5 goals
for the legislative session. He stated that he planned to send
them the four items that were approved for the Lobbying
Coalition. Commissioner Kercheval asked Greg Murray, County
Administrator, to send a list of the proposed items to the
Commissioners for their consideration.
Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the Halfway
Volunteer Fire Company’s annual banquet and thanked the
volunteers for their service to the community. He informed the
Commissioners that he had asked a Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) representative to place a request that the
County be included on the list of speakers for any public
meetings regarding the proposed electrical transmission line
through Washington County.
JANUARY 15, 2008
PAGE THREE
Commissioner Aleshire stated that he attended the meetings of
the Hancock Mayor and Council and Funkstown Mayor and Council.
He indicated that the Charter Board made a presentation at the
Funkstown meeting. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he attended
a meeting in Queen Anne’s County and outlined the method they
use to assign each Commissioner to represent a certain district
in the County. He felt that it was an interesting concept.
Commissioner Aleshire reported on the PenMar Development
Corporation meeting. He stated that he is not certain that a
Commissioner representative is still needed on that board since
COPT has assumed greater responsibility. He stated that he
attended the meeting on downtown parking needs. Commissioner
Aleshire stated that attended the Halfway Volunteer Fire
Department banquet. He suggested that the County retain a
consultant in the near future if one will be needed for the
review and update of the water resources element in the
Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioner Barr stated that he attended the South Pointe
Homeowners Association meeting. He informed the Commissioners
that he served as master of ceremonies for the Maryland Access
Point presentation at the Commission on Aging. Commissioner
Barr noted that Washington County is only the fourth county in
the State to implement the program which will provide a single
point of entry to access resources for seniors and disabled
citizens.
CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION
There was no one present who wished to participate.
APPOINTMENT – PUBLIC GOLF CORPORATION BOARD
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to
appoint John Miller to the Public Golf Corporation Board for a
three-year term. Unanimously approved.
REAPPOINTMENT – GAMING COMMISSION
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to
reappoint Donna Long to the Gaming Commission for a two-year
term. Unanimously approved.
REAPPOINTMENTS – PLUMBING BOARD
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to
waive the two-term limit policy and reappoint Gerald Anders,
Arnold Eby and Charles Semler to the Plumbing Board for three-
year terms, to appoint Roy Ebersole for a one-year term, and to
move Allen “Tad” Tweed from an Alternate position to full
membership on the Board. Motion carried with Commissioners
Kercheval, Wivell, Baker, and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioner
Aleshire voting “NO.”
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS
Greg Murray, County Administrator, distributed proposed
procedures for board and commission appointments for their
review. He also asked that they review the term goals that were
discussed in order to finalize them and begin to develop action
plans. Mr. Murray reminded the Commissioners that they should
finalize the mitigation procedures for schools and the
calculations in the near future.
PROCLAMATION - CERVICAL HEALTH MONTH
Commissioner Barr presented a proclamation to Earl Stoner,
Health Officer, and Melissa Lewis, Program Manager for
Prevention Services, representing the Washington County Health
Department, proclaiming January 2008 as Cervical Health Month in
Washington County. This joint effort is intended to create
awareness among Washington County women about their risk for
cervical cancer and encourage them to take measures to ensure
their good health by discussing a cervical screening program
that includes regular Pap tests with their health care provider
and encourages all women to take advance of health screening
programs.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to
convene in closed session at 11:03 a.m. to consult with staff,
consultants or
JANUARY 15, 2008
PAGE FOUR
other individuals about pending or potential litigation; and to
consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, in accordance with
Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated
Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved.
RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, to
reconvene in regular session at 11:29 a.m.
In closed session, the Commissioners consulted with staff,
consultants or other individuals about pending or potential
litigation and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice on
a legal matter. 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; John
Martirano, County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; and Joe
Kroboth, Director of Public Works.
RECESS – LUNCH
The Commissioners recessed at 11:29 a.m. for lunch.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session was called to order at 1:14 p.m. by
President John F. Barr, with the following members present: Vice
President Terry L. Baker and Commissioners James F. Kercheval
and William J. Wivell.
(Commissioner Aleshire arrived at the meeting at 1:19 p.m.)
CONTEMPORARY SCHOOL OF ARTS AND GALLERY, INC.
Ron Lytle and Willie Conyers, representing the Contemporary
School of Arts and Gallery, Inc. met with the Commissioners to
provide an overview of the After School Arts Program. Mr. Lytle
outlined the programs that are offered at the gallery. He asked
the Commissioners to consider providing $30,000 in FY09 for its
After School Program. Mr. Conyers stated that they would like
to expand their hours and offer additional arts programs. The
meeting was opened for questions. John Martirano, County
Attorney, explained to the Commissioners that the organization
is not currently on the Code of the Public Local Laws, Section
1-108 list of non-profit agencies to which the Commissioners may
contribute funds in its annual budget and outlined the process
to be considered for inclusion on said list.
LEGISLATIVE REQUEST – PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO SPECIAL EVENTS
Andrew Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney, reminded the
Commissioners that he had previously sent them the draft
legislation regarding permitting for special events. Mr.
Wilkinson stated that Sheriff Mullendore had concerns and felt
that permits should be required for political events, rallies,
and protests, to include any road or intersection closures. Mr.
Wilkinson asked for direction from the Commissioners as to
whether they wanted to include a requirement for permitting for
political activity in the proposed legislation. The
Commissioners discussed the request and agreed that the
legislation should include any events that would require a road
closure or rerouting of traffic or where police or emergency
services manpower is required above and beyond that which is
typically expected. Mr. Wilkinson stated that he would make the
necessary amendments to the proposed legislation and will assure
that it also includes road closures or alteration of routes.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, to
convene in closed session at 1:35 p.m. to discuss the
appointment, employment, assignment and/or compensation of
appointees, employees or officials over whom it has
jurisdiction; to discuss personnel matters that affect one or
more specific individuals; to consult with staff, consultants,
or other individuals about pending or potential litigation; and
to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, in accordance
with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the
Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved.
JANUARY 15, 2008
PAGE FIVE
RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to
reconvene in open session at 3:07 p.m. Unanimously approved.
In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment,
employment, assignment and/or compensation, of appointees,
employees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discussed
personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals;
consulted with staff, consultants, or other individuals about
pending or potential litigation; and consulted with counsel to
obtain legal advice on a legal matter. 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; John Martirano, County Attorney; Andrew
Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County
Clerk; Jim Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds & Parks; and
Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works.
YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARDS – NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2007
The Commissioners presented a certificate of merit to Alexa
Mills (Clear Spring Middle School) in recognition of her
selection as the Youth of the Month by the Washington County
Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP) for
November 2007 and to Rachel House (Clear Spring Middle School)
for December 2007. The Commissioners commended them for their
leadership, academic and extra-curricular activities.
Commissioner Barr stated that they would each receive a $100
savings bond from the WCCP.
RECREATION & PARKS BOARD APPOINTMENTS
Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to
appoint Greg Shank to the Recreation & Parks Board for a three-
year term, to reappoint Edward Masood for a three-year term, and
to appoint Chris Malott as an ex-officio representative for the
Board of Education for a three-year term. Unanimously approved.
EMERGENCY SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL
Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Kercheval, to
appoint Blake Gelwicks to the Emergency Services Advisory
Council for a three-year term. Unanimously approved.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to
adjourn at 3:17 p.m. Unanimously approved.
_____________________________,
County Administrator
_____________________________,
County Attorney
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County Clerk