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April 22, 2008
Hagerstown, Maryland
The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 8:30 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.
COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS
Commissioner Baker stated that he attended the opening day
ceremony for the Washington County Girls Softball League at
Kemp’s Mill Park and complimented the Buildings, Grounds & Parks
staff on the condition of the facility.
Commissioner Kercheval informed the Commissioners that he
attended a meeting of the Mental Health Authority to discuss the
possibility of the board absorbing the duties and State
obligations of the Mental Health Advisory Committee. He stated
that this change would require a legislative request if that is
the direction they decide to pursue. Commissioner Kercheval
reported on the meetings of the Local Management Board, Western
Maryland Consortium, and Public Golf Corporation Board. He
stated that the Planning Commission heard two rezoning requests
under the newly-adopted procedures.
Commissioner Aleshire stated that he attended the breakfast
meeting of the Retired Teachers Association and attended the
Washington County Emergency Air Unit meeting. He indicated that
he received notice of the City of Hagerstown’s public hearing
regarding the annexation of the Doub property and suggested that
discussions be held with the City regarding the possibility of
having two retail establishments in the same vicinity.
Commissioner Barr informed the Commissioners that he attended
the Maryland Economic Development Conference held in Hagerstown
last week. He noted that Rebecca Massey Lane will assume the
position of Director at the Museum of Fine Arts effective August
1. Commissioner Barr stated that the C&O Canal Trust held the
unveiling of the trolley barn last week. He invited the
Commissioners to participate in the Second Annual Walk Across
Maryland to be held in Hancock.
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT PRESENTATION – SOLID WASTE ASSOCIATION OF
NORTH AMERICA
Commissioner Barr presented a Certificate of Merit to David
Mason, P.E., in recognition of having completed the training,
educational and experience requirements through the Solid Waste
Association of North America (SWANA) to be certified as a
Landfill Technical Associate. The Commissioners congratulated
him on this accomplishment.
GIRLS INC. & COMMISSION ON AGING BUDGET DISCUSSION
Susan MacDonald, Executive Director of the Commission on Aging,
Maureen Grove, Director of Girls Inc., and Suzie Menard,
President of the Girls Inc. Board of Directors, met with the
Commissioners regarding the proposal for the Commission on Aging
to lease space from Girls Inc. for a Senior Center. Ms. Menard
stated that their Board addressed the concerns of the
Commissioners and worked to lower the cost of the lease for the
space. She explained that Girls’ Inc. is proposing an hourly
lease rather than a traditional lease based on square footage.
Girls Inc. would provide the use of over 18,000 square feet to
include utilities, phone lines, internet access, computers,
library, craft room, full-size gymnasium, kitchen, multi-purpose
room, lounge area, office space and office machinery at the rate
of $65 per hour. Based on a 40-hour week, this would lower the
cost from the original proposal by over 25%. The estimated cost
would be $27,000 for one-time costs, labor costs - $74,000, food
costs - $47,000, and space rental of $111,180 for a total of
$259,180, for a 10 month trial period.
APRIL 22, 2008
PAGE TWO
Ms. Grove indicated that the Girls’ Inc. Board feels this
partnership would be beneficial to both organizations and
improve the quality of life for seniors and at-risk children.
The meeting was opened for questions and discussion.
Commissioners Kercheval and Baker spoke in support of the
proposal. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he would support a
compromise given the temporary nature of the lease.
Commissioner Wivell indicated that he did not support the
proposal at the level proposed. After discussion, it was the
consensus to move forward with the proposal as presented and to
include it in the proposed FY 2009 budget.
BUDGET DISCUSSION – WASHINGTON COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE
ASSOCIATION
Glenn Fishack, President of the Washington County Volunteer Fire
& Rescue Association (WCVFRA), and Kevin Lewis, Acting Director
of the Division of Fire & Emergency Services met with the
Commissioners to present the fiscal year 2009 budget.
Additional requests include: Operating budget - $54,725; first
year of 3-year request for replacement of Rehab Unit - $50,000;
Fuel reimbursement - $42,000; Fire Police - $63,280;
Rental/Renovation of Temporary Training Center - $50,000; and
Acquisition of Land for Training Center - $500,000 for total
additional request of $760,005. Mr. Fishack reviewed the income
the Fire and Rescue Association receives from Gaming funds and
the County. Jay Grimes reviewed the training center request and
Rick Blair outlined the requested fuel allotment for fire
apparatus. Neil Roop, Coordinator of Volunteer Services for
Carroll County, and Chip Jewell, Director of Volunteer Services
for Frederick County, spoke in support of WCVFRA’s request for a
volunteer coordinator position. The meeting was opened for
questions from the Commissioners. There were questions
regarding the ability of volunteer fire companies to obtain fuel
at County sites. Debra Murray, Director of Finance, stated that
they are researching whether the County may permit non-County
owned vehicles to purchase fuel at these locations.
CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION
Monda Sagalkin, Co-Chair of the League of Women Voters,
requested an update on the legislation passed this session
regarding excise tax and the timeline for the new regulations to
take effect. John Martirano, County Attorney, explained that
staff is currently working on the changes to the existing excise
tax ordinance and that he would recommend that the amended
ordinance be put in place by July 1, 2008.
REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF
Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator, and Gray Hebb, Plan
Reviewer, stated that a development in the area of Houck Avenue
requires the existing road to be widened leaving a small strip
of land owned by the County which will no longer be needed for
public use. Mr. Kuhna stated the value for this small portion
of right-of-way along Houck Avenue (approximately 2,600 square
feet) that will no longer be needed for public use would be
approximately $19,000. He also indicated that the new road to
be constructed by the developer at this location would cost
approximately $190,000. He stated that the County’s intent to
convey the land in question has been advertised as required by
the Code of Public Local Laws.
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to
approve the conveyance of a 20’ x 140’ strip of right-of-way
along Houck Avenue as it is no longer needed for public use to
the adjacent property owner as presented by staff. Unanimously
approved.
Dee Hawbaker, Human Resources Administrator, requested
permission to advertise to fill a Senior Plan Operator vacancy
at the Water Quality Department.
Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to
approve the request to advertise to fill a Senior Plan Operator
vacancy at the Water Quality Department. Unanimously approved.
APRIL 22, 2008
PAGE THREE
DISCUSSION OF MISCELLANEOUS BUDGET REQUESTS
Greg Murray, County Administrator, brought up several funding
requests for the Commissioners’ consideration. He provided a
chart outlining the amount they received in FY 2008 and the
amount being requested in FY 2009. They agreed to fund the
following requests: Discovery Station - $20,000; C-Safe -
$45,000; Gypsy Moth Program - $100,000; Commission on
Aging/Girls Inc. - $260,000; Washington County Volunteer Fire &
Rescue Association – the Commissioners agreed to approve the
operating budget request less the requested position ($50,650);
and they also approved an additional $3,000 to be paid directly
to each volunteer company (27 stations). The Commissioners asked
that the new Director of Fire & Emergency Services be charged
with reviewing the system in time for next year’s budget cycle.
Commissioner Barr requested information regarding the past
funding for Character Counts!. Commissioner Kercheval stated
that he is not interested in adding new entities or increasing
requests. Commissioner Aleshire suggested that a predetermined
amount of money be set-aside in the budget to be divided among
the non-profit agencies.
The Commissioners discussed the most recent requests 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, Code of the Public Local Laws of
Washington County, Maryland. The Commissioners decided to take
no action on these requests at this time.
LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE – HOME CHEMICAL SAFETY
PROCLAMATION & POSTER CONTEST AWARD WINNERS
Commissioner Barr and Mayor Robert Bruchey, City of Hagerstown,
presented proclamations to Kevin Lewis, Acting Director of the
Division of Fire & Emergency Services, and Sheriff Douglas
Mullendore, representatives of the Local Emergency Planning
Committee (LEPC), designating the week of April 20-26, 2008, as
Home Chemical Safety Week in Hagerstown and Washington County
and commending this observance to all citizens.
Mr. Lewis stated that 500 elementary school students
participated in the program. He outlined the program
curriculum, which was presented to fourth grade students in the
County. Mr. Lewis informed the Commissioners that the County’s
Special Operations Team will treat all of the finalists to lunch
at McDonald’s. The Commissioners expressed appreciation to all
of the local businesses that participated in the event.
Commissioner Barr presented awards to the winners of the Home
Chemical Safety poster contest. The first place winner was
Jonathan Birky (Boonsboro Elementary), the second place winner
was Julia Wiles (Smithsburg Elementary), and the third place
winner was Corinna Grimm (Sharpsburg Elementary.) The winners
received U.S. Savings Bonds from the Washington County Volunteer
Fire & Rescue Association, gift certificates, and backpacks
containing gifts from local businesses. Ms. Brown thanked the
local businesses that helped sponsor the event.
RECESS – LUNCH
The Commissioners recessed at 11:57 a.m. for lunch.
AFTERNOON SESSION
The afternoon session was called to order at 1:15 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.
PUBLIC HEARING – MODIFICATION OF WATER & SEWER RATES AND FEES
FOR FY 2009
A public hearing to consider the proposed rates for water and
sewer service for FY 2009 was called to order at 1:15 p.m.
Julie Pippel, Director of the Division of Environmental
Management, reviewed the recommendation for a 4% increase in
water revenue and 4% increase in sewer revenue. She reviewed
the rates proposed for each classification of customer. Ms.
Pippel noted that non-metered accounts are proposed to increase
from $122.80 to $127.30 per quarter.
The Commissioners discussed the recommendations and options
presented. The hearing was opened for public comment. There
was no one present who wished to comment. The public hearing
was adjourned at 1:20 p.m.
APRIL 22, 2008
PAGE FOUR
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to
adopt the resolution modifying the water and sewer rates and
allocation fees for fiscal year 2009 as presented at the public
hearing for a 4% increase in water revenue and 4% increase in
sewer revenue, to become effective July 1, 2008. Unanimously
approved. (A copy of Resolution # RS-08-03 can be found in the
County Commissioners’ Office).
JOINT PUBLIC HEARING – MODIFICATION OF CHARGES, RENTALS AND FEES
FOR FY 2009 – HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT
A joint public hearing of the Board of County Commissioners and
the Hagerstown Regional Airport Advisory Commission was convened
at 1:24 p.m. to hear testimony regarding the proposed increase
in current charges, rentals and fees at the Airport. Also
present at the hearing was Airport Advisory Commission member
Wayne Alter and Ed Rakowski, Security Coordinator. Carolyn
Motz, Airport Manager, reviewed the proposed rates and charges.
She stated that the average increase in rates being requested is
4.5%. She stated that the average small T-hangar would increase
approximately $9 per month and the large T-hangars $13 per
month. Ms. Motz indicated that the Airport Advisory Commission
approved the rates being proposed. The meeting was opened for
public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment.
The hearing was closed at 1:29 p.m.
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to
adopt the resolution adopting changes to charges, rentals, and
fees at the Hagerstown Regional Airport with the rate increases
for FY 2009 as proposed to become effective July 1, 2008.
Unanimously approved. (A copy of Resolution #RS-08-04 can be
found in the County Commissioners’ Office).
TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION AGREEMENT – WASHCO LAND DEVELOPMENT,
LLC
Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, met with the
Commissioners regarding a traffic signal installation. Mr.
Kroboth stated that Washco Land Development, LLC is developing
land along the northwest side of Robinwood Drive. He stated
that part of the project would connect Varsity Lane to Robinwood
Drive and become a future connector to Eastern Boulevard. Mr.
Kroboth explained that the development activity proposed would
necessitate the installation of a traffic signal at the future
intersection of Robinwood Drive and Varsity Lane. He
recommended that the Commissioners enter into an agreement with
the developer before authorizing them to proceed. Mr. Kroboth
stated that the agreement places all responsibilities on the
Developer, including design, construction, inspection and
regulatory approvals. The agreement as drafted also requires
that the Developer commence construction within two years of
receiving the required approvals, permits etc. and that the
project be fully completed within six months of starting
construction. The meeting was opened for questions and
discussion. The Commissioners asked that Section 3G of the
agreement be modified to read “within two years of the date of
this Agreement.”
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to
approve the execution of a traffic signal installation agreement
with Washco Land Development, LLC, relating to the future
intersection of Robinwood Drive and Varsity Lane with the
proposed amendment. Unanimously approved.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN (CIP) BUDGET DISCUSSION
Debra Murray, Director of Finance, and Kim Edlund, Assistant
Director, met with the Commissioners to continue discussions on
the CIP budget. Ms. Murray reviewed Draft #2 of six-year
capital plan and the summarized the changes that have been made
to date. She then reviewed two scenarios - Scenario #1 includes
the new East City High School to start in FY 2011 and Scenario
#2 moves the design for the new high school to FY 2010. After
discussion, it was the consensus to stay with Scenario #1, with
borrowing not to exceed $12 million. Ms. Murray stated that the
advertisement will be placed regarding the constant yield tax
rate.
APRIL 22, 2008
PAGE FIVE
REQUEST FOR FUNDING – WASHINGTON COUNTY RURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
HISTORIC VILLAGE PROJECT
Tom Riford, Executive Director of the Hagerstown-Washington
County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), and Marge Peters,
President of the Friends of the Washington County Rural Heritage
Museum, appeared before the Commissioners to request that
$20,000 from the special projects fund of the hotel rental tax
be donated to the Washington County Rural Heritage Museum to
help fund the reconstruction of the Dr. Glass log cabin. Ms.
Peters explained that the village being constructed at the Rural
Heritage Museum would include the restored log cabin, which was
originally built in the 1800s. Mr. Riford stated the CVB
supports the request and is also assisting with financing for
the project. The meeting was opened for questions and
discussion.
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to
approve providing $20,000 from the hotel rental tax special
project funds to the Rural Heritage Museum to be used for the
reconstruction of the Dr. Glass log cabin. Unanimously
approved.
(Commissioners Wivell and Baker were excused from the meeting at
3:02 p.m.)
BID AWARD – ROOF REPLACEMENT OF T-HANGAR #2 – HAGERSTOWN
REGIONAL AIRPORT
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to
award the contract for the roof replacement of T-hangar #2 at
the Hagerstown Regional Airport to USA Construction Services,
Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid of
$32,723. Unanimously approved.
CONTRACT RENEWAL – ELECTRICIAN SERVICES AT COUNTY FACILITIES
Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to
renew the contract for electrician services at County facilities
to Kube Electric Co., Inc., with the requested 6.5% increase in
labor rates for FY 2008. Motion carried with Commissioners
Kercheval and Aleshire voting “AYE” and Commissioner Barr
“ABSTAINING.”
CONTRACT RENEWAL – HEATING, VENTILATING, AIR CONDITIONING &
AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROLS MAINTENANCE SERVICE
Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to
renew the contract for heating, ventilating, air conditioning
and automatic temperature controls maintenance service to Miller
& Anderson, Inc. at the requested increase for specific services
in the current contract of 2.3% for a one-year period.
Unanimously approved.
CONTRACT RENEWAL – ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to
renew the contract for elevator maintenance services with
Landmark Elevator, Inc. pursuant to the rates included in their
letter dated March 27, 2008 at an annual total price of $15,120
(6.78% increase) and hourly service rates for time not covered
by the maintenance contract at $90 Regular Hours and $135
Overtime Hours. Unanimously approved.
(Commissioner Baker returned to the meeting at 3:14 p.m. and
Commissioner Wivell returned at 3:16 p.m.)
BOARDS/COMMISSION APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES
The Commissioners reviewed proposed procedures for the
appointment and reappointment of members to County boards,
committees, and commissions. The Commissioners also discussed
the two-term limit policy currently in effect. The proposed
procedures would require the County Clerk to notify a contact
person for the board of individuals whose terms are due to
expire and include a list of individuals who have expressed
interest in appointment. The Board or Commission would then
select individuals to be recommended to the Commissioners for an
appointment or vacancy. Commissioner Aleshire suggested that
language be included that they would abide by the appointed
body’s bylaws as it relates to attendance and residency
requirements. The Commissioners asked that attendance data be
submitted with requests for the reappointment of members. They
asked that when recommendations are made for the reappointment
of individuals
APRIL 22, 2008
PAGE SIX
based on a waiver of the two-term limit policy, the board must
also provide additional names for the Commissioners’
consideration.
CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION
Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to
convene in closed session at 3:32 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 counsel to obtain
legal advice; and to consider the acquisition of real property
for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto, 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 Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to
reconvene in open session at 4:23 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;
discussed personnel matters that affect one or more specific
individuals; consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice; and
considered the acquisition of real property for a public purpose
and matters directly related thereto. 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 and Parks;
and Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to
adjourn at 4:23 p.m. Unanimously approved.
_____________________________,
County Administrator
_____________________________,
County Attorney
________________________
County Clerk