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HomeMy WebLinkAbout080401 April 1, 2008 Hagerstown, Maryland The Commissioners attended the annual breakfast meeting sponsored by the Washington County Extension Service at 7:30 a.m. at the Agricultural Education Center. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 9:25 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 given by Commissioner Barr, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MARCH 25, 2008 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the minutes of March 25, 2008 as amended. Unanimously approved. BUDGET PRESENTATION – WASHINGTON COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY Paul Miller, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Washington County (HSWC), met with the Commissioners to discuss the 2009 proposed budget for animal control services. Mr. Miller stated that the total request for FY 2009 is $1,193,360, which includes $1,114,035 for operations under the contract (4% increase) and $75,000 for the Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP). He stated that included in the request for operations is funding for replacement of one animal control vehicle. Mr. Miller outlined the number and category of field service calls and provided statistics on animals admitted to the shelter and dispositions. Commissioner Aleshire indicated that he feels the HSWC should look at other revenue-generating streams and suggested establishing a license for breeders. The Commissioners discussed the current dog-licensing procedure and whether it should be revised. Commissioner Kercheval proposed that a work session be scheduled with the WCHS Board regarding animal control matters after the budget is finalized. SOLID WASTE OPERATIONAL BUDGET & COST OF SERVICE Julie Pippel, Director of the Division of Environmental Management, and Robert Davenport, Director of the Solid Waste Department, met with the Commissioners to review the proposed model and cost of service analysis for the landfill. An overview of the model to calculate the cost of services was provided. Mr. Davenport informed the Commissioners that no changes are being recommended to the fee structure. Mr. Davenport presented the proposed FY 2009 budget total of $8,682,410. He reviewed the budget requests for the following cost centers: General Operations, Forty West Landfill, Composting, Resh Landfill, Rubble Landfill, Old City/County Landfill, Transfer Stations, and Recycling Operations. The meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners. The Commissioners discussed the creation of recycling programs within the municipalities. Ms. Pippel informed the Commissioners that the Request for Proposal (RFP) will be sent out in the near future to fund a study regarding implementation of a county-wide recycling program. Commissioner Wivell asked that staff consider raising the price of the mulch sold at the landfill. They agreed to evaluate the request. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION John Himes commented on traffic conditions in southern Washington County. He stated that he attended the public information meeting regarding the proposed public safety communications tower and that he supports the project and the site. Phil Ridenour, Fire Chief of Maugansville Volunteer Fire Company, informed the Commissioners that they have secured low- interest tax exempt financing in the amount of $340,000 to purchase a Pierce Pumper to replace a 21 year old piece of fire apparatus. The Internal Revenue Service requires documentation that the local government is aware of the APRIL 1, 2008 PAGE TWO proposed financing and supports the fire company’s endeavors before the loan can secured. Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Aleshire, to provide a letter of support for the Maugansville Fire Company’s effort to secure low-interest, tax exempt financing for the replacement of fire apparatus. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker stated that he attended the public information meeting on the proposed tower site last week. Commissioner Kercheval reported on the Maryland Municipal League (MML) meeting in Hancock. He stated that he attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Lowe’s store, a tour of Parker Plastics, and met with Commissioner Zimmerman from Carroll County regarding waste-to-energy initiatives and emergency services. Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he attended the memorial service for former Sheriff’s Department Deputy Nancy Reamy. He thanked everyone who sent letters in the lobbying effort to restore funding for the University System of Maryland-Hagerstown. Commissioner Kercheval also reported on the meetings of the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Public Golf Corporation. He stated that he attended the tribute to former County Commissioner Greg Snook to benefit the Hagerstown Community College Scholarship Foundation. Commissioner Aleshire commented on the rising teen pregnancy statistics. He stated that he spoke at the City of Hagerstown’s public hearing last week regarding the revised Comprehensive Plan and emphasized that the County’s comments must be submitted within 10 days. Greg Murray, County Administrator, assured him that the Planning Director would be submitting the County’s comments by the deadline. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he attended the information meeting regarding the public communications tower and indicated that he incorrectly stated that the County held a previous public hearing. He also found that alternatives to the proposed site had been explored with the National Park Service and the Federal government. Commissioner Aleshire informed the Commissioners that he attended a meeting with the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Company and they informed him of the inconsistencies of radio coverage in that area. He commented that the tree planting in Byron Park in Williamsport was well attended. Commissioner Aleshire reported on the Commission on Aging Board meeting and noted that the Board was wondering when a decision on the proposal to utilize the Girls, Inc. facility for a Senior Center would be made. He stated that he also attended the Hancock MML dinner. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended a meeting in Baltimore regarding alternatives to landfilling. He stated that, in regard to the public communications tower, the public needs to be informed regarding the alternatives that were considered and the reasons that the height is needed for communications. Commissioner Barr stated that he attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly-renovated Abbey Carpets and Floors building in Hagerstown and the tree-planting event in Williamsport. He also attended the tribute to Greg Snook. Commissioner Barr reported on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. He apologized that he could not attend the meetings of the Airport Advisory Commission and the Museum of Fine Arts Board. Commissioner Barr informed the Commissioners that he attended the Washington County Free Library’s Boonsboro Branch pre-grand opening and congratulated them on a beautiful facility. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF William Sonnik, Director of Human Resources, asked for authorization to advertise to fill the following positions: Senior Office Associate (Human Resources), Civil Engineer (Engineering), Senior Plant Operator (Water Quality), Senior Office Associate (Buildings, Grounds & Parks), and Associate Planner (Planning & Community Development). APRIL 1, 2008 PAGE THREE Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to advertise to fill the following positions: Senior Office Associate (Human Resources), Civil Engineer (Engineering), Senior Plant Operator (Water Quality), Senior Office Associate (Buildings, Grounds & Parks), and Associate Planner (Planning & Community Development). Unanimously approved. Kevin Lewis, Acting Director of Fire & Emergency Services, presented and reviewed the proposed Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to establish guidelines for a Maintenance/Fuel Reimbursement Program for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Mr. Lewis stated that monies are currently in the operational budget to fund the initiative. Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to approve Standard Operating Procedures as outlined to establish guidelines for a Maintenance/Fuel Reimbursement Program for Emergency Medical Services. Unanimously approved. Mr. Lewis stated that he was notified that his department was eligible to receive a grant of $36,000 from the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) for bioterrorism preparedness to purchase infection and control kits. Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to accept a grant in the amount of $36,000 from the Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) for bioterrorism preparedness to purchase infection and control kits. Unanimously approved. Mr. Lewis informed the Commissioners of two training exercises scheduled in April – one at the Hagerstown Regional Airport on April 19, and a hazardous materials drill on April 26 at the CSX Railroad yard in West Virginia in conjunction with the Hancock Volunteer Fire Company. Debra Murray, Director of Finance, distributed summaries of the Hagerstown Community College budget request for them to take with them to the budget presentation. She stated that HCC has requested a 10% increase in funding. RECESS – LUNCH AND BUDGET PRESENTATION - HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE The Commissioners recessed at 11:45 a.m. in order to attend a luncheon and presentation of the FY 2009 budget with the Board of Trustees of Hagerstown Community College. MEETING WITH BOARD OF TRUSTEES – HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE The Commissioners met with the Board of Trustees of Hagerstown Community College (HCC) and Dr. Guy Altieri, President of HCC, to provide an overview of the budget, the budgeting process, and the funding breakdown between the State and County. HCC is requesting $8,697,128 from Washington County in FY 2009. The Trustees also reviewed their Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget requests. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 2:22 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. BID AWARD – SINGLE AXLE DIESEL VACUUM TRUCK Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to award the contract for the purchase of one (1) single axle vacuum truck to Transteck Inc., d/b/a Freightliner of Hagerstown, which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of $111,263. Unanimously approved. REAPPOINTMENTS – AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jim Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds, and Parks, met with the Commissioners to ask their approval of appointments to the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Education Center. Mr. Sterling requested that the Commissioners approved reducing the membership of the Board from 15 to 9. The following members are recommended for reappointment: APRIL 1, 2008 PAGE FOUR One-year appointments– Gerald Poffenberger, William Poffenberger, and Peter Callas; Two-year appointments – William Blair, Hal Spielman, and Ronald Web; and Three-year appointments – Galen Long and Ronald Frey. Mr. Sterling also submitted three names for their consideration to fill the final vacancy. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to amend the Agricultural Education Center’s By-Laws to reduce the number of Board members from 15 to 9 and to reappoint the following individuals to the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Education Center: One-year appointments– Gerald Poffenberger, William Poffenberger, and Peter Callas; Two-year appointments – William Blair, Hal Spielman, and Ronald Webb; and Three-year appointments – Galen Long, and Ronald Frey. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Baker, and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioner Aleshire voting “NO.” PUBLIC HEARING – REQUESTS TO BE ADDED TO THE LIST OF NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO WHICH THE COMMISSIONERS MAY CONTRIBUTE FUNDS. The Commissioners convened a public hearing at 2:35 a.m. to hear comments regarding the requests made by the Contemporary School of the Arts & Gallery, Inc. and The Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, Inc., to be added to the list of non-profit organizations to which the County Commissioners may contribute funds in its annual budget, pursuant to Section 1-108(b), Code of the Public Local Laws of Washington County, Maryland. Ron Lytle and Willie Conyers, representing the Contemporary School of the Arts & Gallery, Inc. spoke in support of its request and answered questions from the Commissioners. Jim Deaner and Buck Browning, representing the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, Inc., spoke in support of their request to be added to the list and outlined its programs. The hearing was opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment. The public hearing was closed at 2:51 p.m. Commissioner Aleshire provided a summary of non-profit organizations funded by the County and indicated that he is not in support of adding to the list or adding additional funding. Commissioner Wivell stated that the Gaming Commission was created to channel funds to non-profits agencies. The Commissioners agreed to take the requests into consideration during budget deliberations. REJECTION OF PROPOSALS - CHILD AND FAMILY TEAM FACILITATOR PROGRAM Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, and Stephanie Stone, Director of the Washington County Community Partnership for Children & Families, appeared before the Commissioners to recommend that they reject the proposals received for the Child & Family Team Facilitator Program and to issue a revised Request for Proposal (RFP). She asked that the RFP include the following provisions: The vendor for the Child & Family Team Facilitator Program shall not be a public agency represented on the Local Coordinating Council or any other direct service provider from whom the family and youth could potentially access services as part of the Plan of Care. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to reject the proposals received for the Child & Family Team Facilitator Program and to issue a revised Request for Proposal (RFP) to include the following provisions: “The vendor for the Child & Family Team Facilitator Program shall not be a public agency represented on the Local Coordinating Council or any other direct service provider from whom the family and youth could potentially access services as part of the Plan of Care” due to potential conflicts of interest. Motion carried with Commissioners Kercheval, Baker, Aleshire, and Barr voting “AYE” and Commissioner Wivell “ABSTAINING.” CIP BUDGET WORKSHOP – CONTINUED Debra Murray, Director of Finance, and Joseph Kroboth, Director of Public Works, met with the Commissioners to review the 2008- 2013 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget. Ms. Murray reviewed investment income budget projections that were requested at last week’s meeting. Ms. Murray reviewed total investments, cash flow, average yield and earnings for APRIL 1, 2008 PAGE FIVE fiscal years 2000 through 2009. She stated that they are estimating between 1.5-1.8% average yield for FY 2009. The Committee continued its review of CIP projects for roads, transit, solid waste, and water quality and proposed funding sources. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. The Commissioners had questions for the Board of Education staff regarding the E. Russell Hicks Middle School project. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Wivell, to convene in closed session at 4:49 p.m. to discuss the appointment, assignment, and/or compensation of appointees or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; to discuss other personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; and to consider matters that relate to collective bargaining negotiations, in accordance with Section 10-508 of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. (Commissioner Kercheval was excused from the meeting at 5:14 p.m.) RECONVENE IN REGULAR SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to reconvene in open session at 5:18 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, assignment, and/or compensation of appointees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discussed personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; and considered matters that relate to collective bargaining negotiations. 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; Jim Sterling, Director of Buildings, Grounds and Parks; and William Sonnik, Director of Human Resources. APPOINTMENT – AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to appoint Ron Shifler to the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Education Center for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. APPOINTMENT – WASHINGTON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Baker, to appoint James Brown to the Washington County Housing Authority Board as the representative of the Town of Williamsport, for a five-year term. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 5:19 p.m. Unanimously approved. ___________________________ County Administrator ___________________________ County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk