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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 ________________________ County Clerk