Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout080205 February 5, 2008 Hagerstown, Maryland The Commissioners participated in the State of the County forum sponsored by the Hagerstown/Washington County Chamber of Commerce at the Four Points Hotel at 7:30 a.m. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 10:00 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. 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 – JANUARY 29, 2008 Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve the minutes of January 29, 2008. Unanimously approved. Commissioner Aleshire commented that, in the future, he would like to have a summary of any significant discussions that occur at lunch meetings. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker reported on the Community Action Council Board meeting. He commended President Barr on his presentation at the State of the County address. Commissioner Baker informed the Commissioners that he attended the Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Legislative Committee meeting. He reported on the Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he met with a developer and the staff of the Department of Public Works regarding traffic generation concerns and possible ways to resolve these issues. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he attended the debate on Charter Home Rule. He indicated that he also attended the Boonsboro Mayor & Council meeting and that the results of the recycling survey were discussed at the meeting. He apologized for not attending the Smithsburg Fire Company banquet due to illness. Commissioner Aleshire informed the Commissioners that he attended the community meeting held by Corporate Offices Property Trust (COPT) regarding the development of the former Fort Ritchie Army base. He stated that he heard that Keedysville residents are concerned about the Board of Education’s school redistricting proposal. Commissioner Aleshire indicated that he received an e-mail regarding issues with debris and he thanked County staff for their timely response. He also thanked Greg Murray, County Administrator, for his work on the State of the County presentation. Commissioner Wivell thanked the Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring the televised debate on Charter Home Rule. He stated that he received a letter from a constituent regarding the issue of landlords passing on higher assessments to their tenants. Commissioner Barr informed the Commissioners that he attended the MACo Legislative Committee meeting, the Charter Home Rule debate, the Smithsburg Fire Company’s annual banquet, and the YMCA annual fundraiser. He stated that he also attended the Washington County North Stars hockey team’s senior recognition event and the COPT meeting in Cascade. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEE William Sonnik, Human Resources Director, introduced new County employee William Gonzalez (Detention Center). The Commissioners welcomed him and wished him well in his new position. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION There was no one present who wished to participate. FEBRUARY 5, 2008 PAGE TWO COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, reminded the Commissioners that the meeting with the Delegation in Annapolis tomorrow is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. He noted that the State of the County address can be obtained from Norman Bassett on CD and can be accessed online at the County’s website. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF William Sonnik requested authorization to advertise to fill the following positions: Emergency Communications Supervisor and Senior Plant Operator (Water Quality Department). Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to advertise to fill the positions of Emergency Communications Supervisor and Senior Plant Operator. Unanimously approved. Norman Bassett, Public Information Officer, stated that the audio version of the State of the County address is on the County’s website as well as I-Tunes. Commissioner Barr thanked Mr. Bassett for his work on the presentation. Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that the carpet has been installed at the new Boonsboro Branch Library and that staff will be working with the Library to schedule the grand opening. He also responded to questions regarding the Smithsburg Library and indicated that he is waiting for a response to the County’s latest correspondence from the contractor. COUNTY ATTORNEY ISSUES Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney, stated that the applicant for rezoning request for Map Amendment RZ-07-005 has requested that the County postpone any action to finalize the decision for 90 days. He stated that the Commissioners had previously reached consensus to grant approval subject to the drafting and approval of the findings of fact. Mr. Downey indicated that the family is in discussions with the State of Maryland regarding purchase of the property and wishes to wait until the appraisal is finalized. He stated that the applicant also has the right to withdraw the case. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to grant the request of the applicant to delay formalizing a decision on RZ-07- 005 for 90 days. BID AWARD – VIDEO PRESENTATION SYSTEM Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to award the contract for the video presentation system for the Washington County Circuit Court to MTI Office Systems d/b/a Nomad Technologies, which submitted the low responsible, responsive total lump sum bid of $46,282 (which includes Alternate No. 1 for $4,189) being funded with Narcotics Task Force funds. Unanimously approved. PUBLIC HEARING – REQUEST TO BE ADDED TO THE LIST OF NON- PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS – PARENT-CHILD CENTER The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 11:03 a.m. to hear comments regarding the request made by The Exchange Club Parent-Child Center, Inc. to be added to the list of nonprofit organizations to which the County Commissioners may contribute funds during the annual budget process, pursuant to Section 1-108(b), Code of the Public Local Laws of Washington County, Maryland. Millie Lowman, Executive Director of the Parent-Child Center, made a presentation to the Commissioners on the history and purpose of the group, which provides services for the prevention of child abuse and teen pregnancy. Ms. Lowman stated that their program is used as a “bridge” until clients can receive social services. She indicated that the Center provides a clothing closet, furniture, diapers and formula. Ms. Lowman explained that they also provide in-home services for at-risk families and parenting classes. Jacqueline Barrett, Parent/Aide spoke in support of the program and noted that the Center also sponsors a Christmas party for low-income families as well as the Teen Choices/Teen Voices pregnancy prevention program. The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners. The hearing was then opened for public comment. There FEBRUARY 5, 2008 PAGE THREE was no one present who wished to comment. The public hearing was closed at 11:21 a.m. The Commissioners took this request under consideration and discussed the current process. They discussed the possibility of allocating a fund for the non-profit agencies on the list and any requests for funding would be allotted from those designated funds. The Commissioners requested that this item be brought back as part of the budget discussions. INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATIVE PURCHASE – ELECTRONICS RECYCLING SERVICES FOR THE SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to approve the Resolution (Resolution No. RS-08-01) authorizing the purchase of Electronics Recycling Services with E-Structors, Inc. (ESI) for use by the Solid Waste Department for removal of material for electronics recycling at the fee rate of $.059 per pound if serviced by ESI or $0.039 if delivered by Washington County, by utilizing the Allegany County contract in accordance with the terms and conditions of that contract pursuant to Section 1-106.3 of the Code of Public Local Laws of Washington County, Maryland. Unanimously approved. RECESS – LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:51 a.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. REVISED PERSONNEL POLICIES – PR-18 (WAGE & SALARY CLASSIFICATION PROGRAM) AND PR-19 (PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM) William Sonnik, Director of Human Resources, met with the Commissioners to review revised Personnel Policies PR-18 – Wage & Salary Classification Program and PR-19 – Performance Management System. Mr. Sonnik stated that he has incorporated the revisions to PR-18 as directed by the County Commissioners at last week’s meeting and reviewed the changes that were made. The Commissioners discussed the changes that had been made to the policy. Mr. Sonnik then reviewed Policy PR-19 – Performance Management System and the revisions that were made as a result of the changes presented by the Salary Review Committee. The Commissioners discussed the policy and asked that one revision be made. Motion made by Commissioner Baker, seconded by Wivell, to adopt revised Personnel Policies PR-18 - Wage & Salary Classification Program and PR-19 – Performance Management System, as amended. Motion carried with Commissioners Baker, Wivell, Aleshire and Baker voting “AYE” and Commissioner Kercheval voting “NO.” (Copies of the approved policies are attached.) BUDGET DISCUSSION – HOTEL RENTAL TAX Greg Murray, County Administrator, reviewed options to disburse the hotel rental tax funds (“hotel/motel tax”). Mr. Murray stated that expenditure of revenues is restricted by State statute for tourism promotion to the Convention and Visitors Bureau (50%), administrative costs, legal fees, development of tourism attractions, economic development, and to support cultural and recreational projects in Washington County. He provided the following proposal for the disbursement of funds for FY 2009: 1) Propose to allocate hotel/motel tax proceeds based on the current fiscal year’s actual collection of the hotel’s jurisdiction paid on a quarterly basis; 2) The unincorporated collections will remain within the hotel/motel fund to be utilized by Washington County; 3) Both municipalities and the County governments will expend the funds in FY 2009 and forward under the allowed expenditures dictated under Article 24, Title 9, Subtitle 3; 4) The Fund will be exempt from the County’s cash reserve policy, as this fund will function on a cash basis only. Any interest earnings will be maintained by the general fund to offset collection, delinquency, and FEBRUARY 5, 2008 PAGE FOUR administration of the tax itself and administration of the hotel/motel tax fund. Other options discussed included allocation of the funds by population or allocation by committee. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to place the jurisdictional allocation amount ($270,000) in a special allotment and to solicit input from the Washington County Chapter of the Maryland Municipal League (MML) as to how they feel the funds should be equitably divided among the municipalities. The Commissioners agreed that they do not feel the funds should be divided equally for distribution to the nine municipalities. Mr. Murray stated that the County would provide population information and any other information requested by MML. The County would then provide a direct allocation of some sort, with the County Commissioners having the final approval. EAST OAK RIDGE DRIVE BRIDGE REHABILITATION PROJECT Terry McGee, Chief Engineer, and Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, met with the Commissioners to discuss the East Oak Ridge Drive Bridge Rehabilitation project. Mr. McGee stated that several local business owners expressed concerns about the closing of East Oak Ridge Drive. As a result of the meeting, the County agreed to explore the option of constructing a temporary bridge at the project site to prevent closing the road to traffic. Mr. McGee noted that the project is a federal aid project and must follow State and Federal requirements. Mr. McGee stated that he is now recommending that the County not include the construction of a temporary bridge but to proceed consistent with past bridge projects. He indicated that he solicited a cost proposal to more fully evaluate the possibility, as the County has had no prior experience in using a temporary bridge in this fashion. Mr. McGee explained that he met with the KCI, the project’s design engineer, who is proposing a fee of $22,442.84 to prepare concept plans and develop a cost estimate. KCI estimates that it would cost $672,000 plus right-of-way and utilities costs for construction of a temporary bridge. He also noted that the State Highway Administration (SHA) feels that this would be considered eligible for federal aid participation at the 80/20 cost share. Mr. McGee explained that this would add approximately $151,400 to the local cost. He estimated that advertising the project would have to be delayed until the fall if a temporary bridge is included in the bid. Mr. McGee stated that allocating the additional federal aid funding to this project would cause other federal aid projects to be delayed. Mr. McGee recommended that the County commit to a compressed schedule for a five-month closure period. He noted that compressing the time period from six months to five would result in a cost increase of approximately five percent. Mr. McGee outlined the following four options: 1) Proceed with the concept plan and then decide whether to include a temporary bridge; 2) proceed to include the temporary bridge; 3) proceed as currently planned; or 4) proceed with a compressed construction schedule. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions. In answer to questions from the Commissioners, Mr. McGee outlined what a typical incentive/disincentive package for early completion would entail. Area business owners were in attendance and expressed their concerns about the bridge closure and how it would adversely impact their businesses. Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to have staff proceed with the East Oak Ridge Drive Bridge Project using a five-month expedited construction schedule package. Motion carried with Commissioners Aleshire, Kercheval, Baker, and Wivell voting “AYE” and Commissioner Barr voting “NO.” YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARDS – NOVEMBER 2007 The Commissioners presented a certificate of merit to Jeremy Cress (North Hagerstown High School) in recognition of his selection as the Youth of the Month by the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families (WCCP) for November 2007. The Commissioners commended him for FEBRUARY 5, 2008 PAGE FIVE his leadership, academic and extra-curricular activities. Commissioner Barr stated that Jeremy would receive a $100 savings bond from the WCCP. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to convene in closed session at 3:59 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, discipline, compensation, removal, resignation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; to discuss personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; and to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation, 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 Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to reconvene in open session at 4:31 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, assignment, discipline, compensation, removal, resignation, and/or performance evaluation of appointees, employees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; to consider the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto; to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice; and to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation. 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; Kirk Downey, Assistant County Attorney; Andrew Wilkinson, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Gary Rohrer, Director of Special Projects; and James Hovis, Director of the Gaming Office. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 4:31 p.m. Unanimously approved. _____________________________ County Administrator ___________________________ County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk