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HomeMy WebLinkAbout080930 September 30, 2008 Hagerstown, Maryland DISCOVERY STATION – LUNCHEON & RIBBON CUTTING FOR C & O CANAL DISPLAY At 12:00 p.m. the Commissioners attended a luncheon and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new C & O Canal Display at Discovery Station. The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 1:30 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. MAUGANS AVENUE BUDGET AND SCHEDULE SUMMARY Robert Slocum, Deputy Director of Public Works for Capital Projects, and Jessica Spring, Project Manager, appeared before the County Commissioners to provide an update regarding the Maugans Avenue Corridor Improvement Project. Mr. Slocum provided a history of the project and stated that the Notice to Proceed was issued to C. William Hetzer, Inc. on April 11, 2007 with a completion date of July 12, 2008. He noted that there have been five change orders to date, which added $59,665.24 to the contract value and 11 days to the schedule. Mr. Slocum estimated that the final completion date will be October 30, 2008. He also reviewed the budget and informed the Commissioners that the current contract value is $7,465,174.54. Mr. Slocum indicated that he would be reviewing the revised schedule submitted by the contractor to determine if there will be liquidated damages applied. He stated that there was an overrun on estimated quantities above the current contract value as well as an increase in the fuel asphalt index and State fuel index. Mr. Slocum stated that the projected budget deficit for the project is estimated at $721,000. He noted that he may request a transfer from the US Route 40 and Mt. Aetna Road Intersection Project, which has an unobligated balance of $533,168.97, upon closeout of the project. TheCommissioners thanked them for the update. FRANKLIN STREET PROPERTIES DEVELOPMENT Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, met with the Commissioners to review a draft concept plan for development of the properties on Franklin Street which were recently purchased by the County. Mr. Kroboth stated that the plan concept includes the removal of the existing apartment building and relocation of the existing transfer point for the County Commuter to this site, employee parking and permit parking for downtown patrons. He then reviewed the conceptual plan. Mr. Kroboth estimated that the total cost of the projects would be $1,449,108 and stated that he hopes to obtain State and Federal grant funding for 80% of the transit improvements. The meeting was opened for questions and discussion. Commissioner Kercheval asked that the plan make provisions for the possibility that Wareham Alley may be made two-way in the future. Commissioner Wivell suggested that they consider some type of public/private partnership to help recoup some of the costs. Mr. Kroboth indicated that if a bus route is added that would facilitate a transfer to the MDA commuter buses, the project may be eligible for additional Federal funding. Commissioner Aleshire asked that they include the owners of properties located in proximity of the lot in their discussions to determine the future needs in the area. Mr. Kroboth stated that he would look at other alternatives and discuss the concept plan with neighboring property owners and City of Hagerstown officials and then return with his findings. REZONING TEXT AMENDMENT CP-08-001 – WASHINGTON COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT Jill Baker, Senior Planner, reviewed rezoning text amendment CP-08-001 for amendments to the text of the 2002 Washington County Comprehensive Plan. She stated that the proposed amendment would designate Priority Preservation Areas (PPAs) as required in order to comply with the Agricultural Stewardship Act of 2006 and to retain the additional 42% agricultural transfer tax funding from the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Program (MALPP) that the County receives as a “certified” preservation program. Ms. Baker reviewed the changes that were made to address the concerns of the Commissioners. The meeting was opened for SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 PAGE TWO questions. Commissioner Aleshire stated that he did not support the language proposed for the preservation changes because it is built on the premise of preexisting conditions, which lends to inequity in implementation of the programs and funding for some active deserving agricultural properties. After discussion, the Commissioners agreed to take the recommendation under consideration and have it placed on the agenda for a decision in the near future. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Baker, to convene in closed session at 3:12 p.m. to discuss the appointment, employment, and/or assignment 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 consider a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State; 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 Baker, seconded by Wivell, to reconvene in open session at 4:50 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed the appointment, employment, and/or assignment of appointees, employees, or officials over whom it has jurisdiction; discussed personnel matters that affect one or more specific individuals; considered the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and matters directly related thereto; considered a matter that concerns the proposal for a business or industrial organization to locate, expand, or remain in the State and consulted with counsel to obtain legal advice. 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; Joe Kuhna, Real Property Administrator; Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works; Tim Troxell, Executive Director of the Economic Development Commission; Rob Ferree, Deputy Director of EDC; Tim Henry, President of the EDC Board; Todd Workman, SC&H Group; Robert Garver, Regional Office of the Department of Business & Economic Development; Debra Murray, Director of Finance; Michael Thompson, Director of Planning & Community Development; Boyd Michael, Deputy Superintendent; Donna Hanlin, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Instruction; Dr. Robert Spong, Facilities Planning Manager; Rob Rollins, Acting Executive Director of School Operations; Anthony Trotta, Chief Legal Counsel for the Board of Education; Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Superintendent of Schools; and Board of Education members Paul Bailey, Donna Brightman, Ruth Anne Callaham; and Wayne Ridenour. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 4:50 p.m. EVENING SESSION – TOWN OF WILLIAMSPORT The regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of Washington County, Maryland was called to order at 7:10 p.m. at the Williamsport Town Hall by President John F. Barr with the following members present: Vice President Terry L. Baker, and Commissioner 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 – SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Aleshire, to approve the minutes of September 23, 2008. Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Baker thanked Mayor McCleaf and the Williamsport Town Council for hosting the meeting. He reported on the Recreation and Parks Board meeting and stated that there will be significantly less Program Open Space funding from the State this year. Commissioner Baker also SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 PAGE THREE noted that he has received favorable reports on the new Senior Center located at the Girls, Inc. facility. Commissioner Aleshire thanked the Town for hosting the meeting. Commissioner Kercheval stated that he attended the educational forum sponsored by the Greater Hagerstown Committee and the Maryland Department of Planning listening post session. He reminded Commissioner Barr that the Metropolitan Planning Organization Meeting will be held next week. Commissioner Wivell asked that the Brumbaugh/Kendall/Grove farm be placed on the agenda for discussion in the near future. He stated that he attended the public hearing held by the Maryland Department of the Environment regarding permit modification for the landfill and asked that the Commissioners reaffirm their commitment to the stipulated agreement with the property owners in that area. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the dedication of the community center at Fort Ritchie. Commissioner Barr informed the Commissioners that he attended the public hearing on the landfill permit modification, the reception and dedication ceremony at Fort Ritchie, Beaver Creek School Family Day, and the University Systems of Maryland – Hagerstown Board meeting. He reported on the Airport Advisory Commission meeting. Commissioner Barr stated that he received a letter from the Maryland Secretary of State’s office that cabinet-level officials are making an effort to meet with civic groups in the more rural counties. CITIZENS’PARTICIPATION Ron Braise, Allen Swope, Bob Harsh, and Barbara Hovermill voiced their concerns regarding the PATH power line project being proposed by Allegheny Energy, which may be located through Washington County. They asked that the Commissioners lobby to get the project re-routed through a less populated area. David Hanlin, member of the Friends of Charter Home Rule, distributed a report to the Commissioners regarding their findings from the recent defeat of the proposed Charter at the last election. Justin Hartings, candidate for the elected Board of Education, introduced himself and briefly outlined his platform. Mayor James McCleaf thanked the County Commissioners for the assistance that County employees have provided the Town of Williamsport. Jeff Cline, Town Councilman, thanked the County for helping with the infrastructure program. He also thanked Doug Levine of the Highway Department and Jaime Dick, Director of the Recreation Department, for their assistance on recent Town projects. REAPPOINTMENT – FIRE & RESCUE COMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Motion made by Commissioner Aleshire, seconded by Kercheval, to reappoint Jack Hall to the Fire & Rescue Communications Advisory Committee for a three-year term. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS Greg Murray, County Administrator, informed those in attendance that the County Commissioners’ meetings are now being broadcast live on the Internet to make them more accessible to citizens. Mr. Murray stated that there will th be a presentation on recycling during the October 14 meeting. He also indicated that there will be presentations on wind-generated energy and LEED certification coming up in the near future. Mr. Murray reported on the Smithsburg Steam and Craft Show held last weekend. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF William Sonnik, Director of Human Resources, requested permission to advertise to fill the Senior Office Associate position at the Agricultural Education Center. SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 PAGE FOUR Motion made by Commissioner Kercheval, seconded by Baker, to approve the request to fill the vacant Senior Office Associate position at the Agricultural Education Center. Unanimously approved. Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, reminded the Commissioners that the Maryland Secretary of the Department of Transportation would be meeting with County officials at the Annual Transportation Tour meeting on October 2. Mr. Kroboth provided updates on several projects. Kevin Lewis, Director of Fire & Emergency Services, recognized the loss of Trooper II, the Maryland State Police medevac helicopter that crashed this weekend. Mr. Lewis stated that his staff is preparing to assist during the JFK 50-mile ultra-marathon in November. He informed the Town officials that he would be scheduling time to meet with them to review the Basic Emergency Operations Plan. Mr. Lewis also noted that he would be filling the ALS Technician II positions. Sheriff Mullendore informed the Commissioners that the Sheriff’s Office will sponsor a team this year in the JFK race. He noted that that the proposal for the Central Booking facility is out for bid. Sheriff Mullendore also stated that there will be additional deputies patrolling on or-Treat is held. the nights that Trick- BUDGET TRANSFER – REDUCTION IN HIGHWAY USER FUNDS Joe Kroboth, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that the County has been notified of a $400,000 reduction in State Highway User Funds. Mr. Kroboth reviewed a corresponding budget transfer to reduce the following six (6) line items in the Highway Department: $172,730 – controllable assets (public safety radios), $30,000 – Building Improvements, $30,000 – Purchased Services, $25,000 – Equipment Rental, $117,270 – Supplies and Materials, and $25,000 – Supplies and Materials (traffic control). Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval to approve a budget transfer resulting from the reduction of Highway User Funds by $400,000 as proposed by staff. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Kercheval, to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. ____________________________ County Administrator ____________________________ County Attorney ________________________ County Clerk