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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010213February 13, 2001 Hagerstown, Maryland The regular meeting of the Board of County, Maryland, was called to ordE I. Snook with the following members Swartz and Commissioners Bertrand L. and William J. Wivell. County Commissioners of Washington r at 8:30 a.m. by President Gregory present: Vice President Paul L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Swartz, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. TRANSITIONAL HOUSE SECOND MORTGAGE Cheryl Walkley and Glenda Helman, representing Community Action Council (CAC), met with the Commissioners regarding Transitional House. Ms. Helman explained some of the changes in their program funding and the reasons why the CAC Board of Directors has decided to sell this property. CAC has been negotiating with a potential buyer and, after discussions with the realtor, the Board agreed to enter into a contract of sale for $165,000. Ms. Helman informed the Commissioners that there are two outstanding mortgages on the property. The first mortgage is held by the Department of Housing & Community Development, Community Development Administration, in the amount of $113,347.95. The second mortgage is held by the Board of County Commissioners with an outstanding balance of $50,980.83. She asked that the Commissioners accept $38,362.55 as payment of the balance of the second mortgage in full. She explained that this is an estimate and that any monies received over this amount would be included in the repayment to the County. The Commissioners discussed the request and asked that CAC first attempt to negotiate a reduction in the realtor's commission. Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to accept a minimum of $38,362.55 from Community Action Council for payment of the second mortgage through the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Fund for Transitional House, 1301 Virginia Avenue, pending negotiation for a reduction in the realtor's commission. Motion carried with Commissioners Swartz, Iseminger, Wivell and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Schnebly "ABSTAINING." BID AWARD - EMULSIFIABLE DEGREASER & DEODORIZER Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to award the contract for emulsifiable degreaser and deodorizer for use by the Water & Sewer Department based on Specification No. 2 to Roxxon Corporation, c/o Neil E. McConnell, for the total lump sum bid price of $32,862.50 for fifty 55 -gallon drums, with an option for additional increments of five drums each at a total price of $4,572.25. Unanimously approved. BUDGET WORKSHOP - CAPITAL IMPROVMENTS PROJECTS (CIP) BUDGET The Commissioners continued their review of the 2002-2007 CIP budget that they began at last week's meeting. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, and Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, were in attendance. Ms. Bastian distributed additional information on projected long-term borrowing and information reflecting the changes made in the projections from last year. She stated that the projections fall within the approved debt affordability policy. Mr. Rohrer provided answers to questions on specific projects that the Commissioners had raised at last week's meeting. He then reviewed projects in the proposed 2002-2007 CIP budget from the point where they stopped last week including railroad, bridges, and solid waste projects. The Commissioners postponed further discussions in order to hear comments from the public during the scheduled citizens participation session. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Jay Stouffer, representing the Maugansville Ruritan Club, and Rick Carter, representing the Maugansville Little League, requested that the County purchase land adjacent to the park in Maugansville in order to FEBRUARY 13, 2001 PAGE TWO construct a field for the Challenger Little League program for children with disabilities. Charlie Shindle, representing the Maugansville Volunteer Fire Company, spoke in support of the project proposed by the Maugansville Ruritan Club to purchase additional land for the park. Robert Walton, President of the Maugansville Historical Society, stated that the Society is interested in participation in the purchase of land adjacent to the park. He stated that the Historical Society would be interested in housing and displaying historical items on the site. Steve Hose, Vice President of the Maugansville Ruritan Club, spoke in support of the proposal and stated that the land could be converted to meet educational, historical, and recreational needs of the community. Commissioner Snook suggested that they meet in the Maugansville area to hear more details on the proposal. Don Allensworth presented his views on the importance of the sewer policy and suggested that developers be compelled to contribute to the cost of sewer projects from which they benefit. Dennis McGee expressed the need for improvements to the railroad crossing at Wagaman Road due to the increase in traffic at that location. CONTINUATION OF CIP BUDGET WORKSHOP The Commissioners continued their review of the CIP budget for landfill, water and sewer, parks, transportation, airport, Board of Education, and Hagerstown Community College projects. RECESS - LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 12:05 p.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:05 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners John L. Schnebly, Bertrand L. Iseminger, and William J. Wivell. APPOINTMENT OF SALARY STUDY COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to appoint the following members, nominated by their respective organizations, to the Salary Study Commission: Rick Hemphill (Democratic Party Central Committee); Victoria Nelson (Republican Party Central Committee); Robert Jeffers (Chamber of Commerce); R. Matthew Harsh (Farm Bureau); Patricia Brown (League of Women Voters); James E. Stewart, Jr. (Central Maryland AFL-CIO Council); Donald Metz (Washington County Taxpayers Association); and Jenny Belliotti and Scott Nicewarner (Council of PTAs) pursuant to Article 24, Section 12-201 et seq. of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, provided an update on the findings of the Greater Hagerstown Committee's Open Space Task Force. He stated that the van would be leaving at 6:15 a.m. tomorrow for the trip to Annapolis to meet with the Delegation to the General Assembly. AMENDMENT TO TERMS - AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to amend the terms of the members of the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board to comply with the five-year term appointments required by Section 2- 504.1 of the Agriculture Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Unanimously approved. EMERGENCY SERVICE COUNCIL - REPORT ON THE COMPREHENSIVE FIRE & MEDICAL SERVICES DELIVERY FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY Commissioner Iseminger, who served as chairperson of the Emergency Services Council (ESC), stated that the purpose of the study was to evaluate the recommendations of the Buracker Fire and EMS services FEBRUARY 13, 2001 PAGE THREE delivery study and to help develop a long-term strategy to preserve the volunteer component of the system and improve the level of emergency services provided to the citizens. He then introduced the members of the Committee who were in attendance. James LaFleur, James Latimer and Joe Kroboth, members of the ESC, along with Commissioner Iseminger reviewed the recommendations from the Committee for implementation. Organizational Recommendations: 1) Fire and ambulance corporations should file annual audit reports with the County. 2) Each fire and ambulance company, as well as the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association (WCVFRA), should continue to increase the level of record keeping and development of statistics. 3) Fire and EMS companies should evaluate the feasibility of centralizing third party billing countywide. 4) Fire and EMS companies should be required to prepare and file a ten-year apparatus replacement plan with the County for endorsement. 5) Fire & EMS companies should utilize the services of the County Purchasing Department to acquire supplies and equipment through the competitive bidding process. 6) The County's level of fire and EMS risk should be evaluated and adjustments made in the emergency vehicle fleet to serve the documented need. 7) The WCVFRA should establish criteria and monitor the need for career fire and EMS staffing to supplement volunteers, and the County should be prepared to allocate funding once the criteria have been established. 8) Consolidate the Special Operations Team and Civil Defense field operations unit. 9) Establish shift supervisor positions at the communications center. 10) Establish a strategic planning team to evaluate the effectiveness of emergency services radio and communications equipment and its ability to meet future needs. Fiscal Impact Recommendations The Commissioners should: 1) Phase in responsibility for apparatus fuel and utility cost to operate the stations. 2) Make no change in the distribution of State and County funds distributed by the County for fire and EMS. 3) Fund the purchase of pre -planning and equipment manager modules for the FireHouse Software System. 4) Equip all first responding EMS units with basic life support equipment such as oxygen, first aid kits and automatic defibrillators. 5) The County should hire an Emergency Management Specialist to oversee emergency management planning. 6) In conjunction with the WCVFRA, acquire land and plan, design and construct a countywide training center. 7) The County or WCVFRA should hire a training coordinator/instructor to manage the training academy. Safety/Risk Management Recommendations 1) Implement medical screenings of all EMS providers and physical evaluations for fire and EMS providers. 2) The WCVRA should develop and implement a plan to bring all fire and EMS companies in compliance with the NFPA 1500 Fire Department Health & Safety Standard. 3) Formalize the infectious disease control program and track exposure events. 4) Develop and implement an emergency provider wellness program. Training, Education, & Certification Recommendations 1) Fire and EMS personnel should be cross trained for both functions. 2) The County should explore the possibility of partnering with WCVFRA, local educational institutions and the private sector to construct a fire and EMS training facility. 3) The County, WCVFRA and fire and EMS companies should encourage attendance and allocate funding for conferences and continuing education. Improvement of Level of Service 1) Realign the service protection boundaries to provide for the closest emergency services unit to respond. 2) Complete additional response time and feasibility studies to evaluate the need for additional EMS units. 3) Evaluate the public infrastructure. Fire companies should perform internal operational audits to target deficiencies to improve ISO ratings. 4) Standardize countywide fire and EMS operations. 5) The County should foster coordination between fire and EMS companies and the Permits & Inspections Department to collect data for pre -emergency planning. 6) The Commissioners should receive an annual report showing FEBRUARY 13, 2001 PAGE FOUR fire and EMS activity, trends, and changes in provision of services over the next three -to -five year period. Mr. Kroboth stated that the Council recognizes that the toughest challenges remain ahead in incorporating the recommendations into the County budget, balancing community needs with the cost for protection, and providing accountability for administrative and operational issues. Commissioner Iseminger complimented the members of the Council and thanked them for their service. Commissioner Snook suggested that the Commissioners meet with the WCVFRA to discuss the recommendations presented today. REQUEST FOR FUNDING - MARYLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Marc Levy, Executive Director of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra (MSO), and James Pierne, Development Chair, appeared before the Commissioners to request funding in the amount of $25,000 for fiscal year 2002. Mr. Levy stated that the MSO is requesting support to fund its educational outreach programs and professional performances. Mr. Levy explained that they are facing increased rental costs at the Maryland Theatre, the need to provide competitive salaries to retain quality musicians, the need to expand their repertoire by commissioning works by local artists, and expanding educational outreach programs. Mr. Levy also reviewed the programs provided to the community by the MSO. Commissioner Snook thanked Mr. Levy and Mr. Pierne for the presentation and stated that the Commissioners would take the request into consideration during the budgetary process. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger stated that he met with the Steering Committee of the WCVFRA to discuss the Emergency Services Council report presented today. He reported on the meeting of the Advisory Commission to the Board of Health. Commissioner Wivell asked Mr. Shoop to schedule a meeting with Tom Clemens regarding the Antietam Overlay zoning district. He reported on the meetings of the PenMar Development Corporation and the Western Maryland Sportsmen's Association. Commissioner Wivell stated that he attended the Presidents' Day celebration in Annapolis. Commissioner Swartz stated that he met with the Maugansville Ruritan Club regarding their request that the County purchase the land adjacent to the existing park in Maugansville. He reported on the MIHI basket bingo fundraiser. Commissioner Schnebly reported on the meetings of the Economic Development Commission and the Historical Advisory Committee. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that he received a letter from the University of Maryland indicating that there is no available land near the Agricultural Education Center for the County to lease. He stated that he attended the Police Athletic League fundraiser. The Commissioners agreed not to ask the Department of the Environment (MDE) to hold a public meeting for the application to transport sludge from MCI to the Forty West Landfill. Commissioner Snook informed the Commissioners that the State Department of Housing & Community Development has scheduled a February 28 meeting regarding the update of its five-year plan. He stated that he received a letter from the Town of Hancock requesting that the County waive the tip fees for the debris associated with the removal of houses in the floodplain. The Commissioners agreed to discuss this with the Town at the meeting in Hancock. Commissioner Snook stated that the Mayor of Sharpsburg is requesting that the County waive the fees they incur from the Finance Department for their input of credits to each Town water customer. The Commissioners agreed to discuss this with them at the tax setoff meeting. He informed the Commissioners that MDE has approved the County's 1999 Solid Waste Management Plan. The Commissioners discussed the request to fund the Boonsboro Volunteer Fire Company substation at one-half the amount that each fire company FEBRUARY 13, 2001 PAGE FIVE receives. They agreed to provide $20,000 for the substation and directed the County Administrator to send a letter to the Boonsboro Volunteer Fire Company regarding their request. They also agreed to request that Delegate Shank withdraw the legislation he filed regarding the substation. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, informed the Commissioners that Program Open Space (POS) is requiring the County to go through a conversion process to sell the Ditto Knolls property since the golf course was purchased with POS funds. He stated that the Smithsburg Library would be an acceptable property for conversion. Mr. Arch stated that they are attempting to secure Land and Water Conservation Funds. He provided statistics on the participation in recreation programs. Mr. Arch asked if the Commissioners are interested in pursuing legislation for a building excise tax that would tax square footage on new construction and expansions of business and residential construction. The Commissioners requested additional information on the issue. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 3:30 p.m. to discuss personnel issues 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 Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to reconvene in open session at 3:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) personnel issue. Present during closed session were Commissioners Gregory I. Snook, Paul L. Swartz, Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present at various times were Rodney Shoop, County Administrator; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources; and Sheriff Charles Mades. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:45 p.m. to attend a joint meeting with the Board of Education at the central office. JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION The Commissioners met with the Board of Education at the central office on Commonwealth Avenue at 4:10 p.m. The following members of the Board of Education were present: Paul Bailey, Mary Wilfong, Herbert Hardin, Bernadette Wagner, Roxanne Ober, Dori Nipps, and Edward Forrest. Staff members present were Dr. Herman Bartlett, Superintendent of Schools; Dennis McGee, Director of Facilities Management; William McKinley, Executive Director of Support Services; Phil Ray, Director of Human Resources; and Christian South, Director of Budget & Finance. Smithsburg Library Site Commissioner Wivell informed the Board of Education that Program Open Space (POS) has agreed that the two acres of land at the Smithsburg Elementary School land is suitable for conversion for the land from the Smithsburg Park. This conversion would allow a new branch library to be constructed on the site. He asked the Board for their approval of the conversion. Facilities Review Committee Report Commissioner Schnebley, who served as a member of the Facilities Review Committee, provided an introduction to the report. He explained that tax increases were passed last year due to the increasing costs for education. The Committee's goal was to look at ways to increase efficiency in the school system and examine ways to increase internal savings. FEBRUARY 13, 2001 PAGE SIX The Committee reviewed the facilities currently operated by the Washington County School system. Mr. McGee stated that the County operates 2.05 schools per 1,000 students although the statewide average is 1.61 schools per 1,000 students. The Committee found that the School Design Primer states that excellent educational programs can be offered in elementary schools of 450-700 students. The Primer also indicates that 600-800 is the ideal range for middle schools and 800-1200 is the ideal range for high schools. The Committee looked at all 25 elementary schools. Schools that were considered for consolidation were schools whose districts are adjacent, schools that have small enrollments, and schools that are on the present Capital Improvement Plan list. Mr. McGee also reviewed the enrollment projections and stated that Washington County is in a period of steady enrollment. The Committee reviewed the costs to staff the schools and found that Cascade Elementary School has a FTE cost of 6,988 that is higher than the other elementary schools. The Committee also reviewed utility costs for the schools. Mr. McGee stated that the Committee considered the following items in their review: 1) schools scheduled for renovation, 2) the cost of educating a student at these respective schools (per student cost), and 3) the age of the schools. The Committee found that by consolidating Conococheague Elementary School and Maugansville Elementary School, staffing costs and renovation costs could be reduced for a potential total net savings of $1,218,000. Similar savings may be realized by making better use of the Marshall Street Center and by combining the Winter Street and Salem Avenue schools. The Committee reviewed several scenarios regarding Cascade Elementary, including closing the school and consolidating it with Smithsburg Elementary. The second most expensive school in the cost per pupil range is Funkstown Elementary. The Committee reviewed several possibilities including closing the school and transferring students to Emma K. Doub and Fountain Rock. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion from the group. Commissioner Snook asked Mr. McGee to provide him with the established procedure that the Board of Education follows for closing a school. After discussion, the group agreed to have the Facilities Review Committee report placed on their respective Web sites and distribute copies to the public. Both bodies will then meet jointly after allowing adequate time for the public to review the data and schedule time for public comment. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 5:30 p.m. TAX SETOFF - SMITHSBURG TOWN HALL The evening session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Smithsburg Town Hall by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following Commissioners present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz, and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. Also present were Mayor Thomas Bowers and Council members Charles Slick and Jake Johnson. Commissioner Snook stated that, pursuant to Section 6-306 of the Tax - Property Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Commissioners are required to meet with each municipality annually to discuss the tax setoff or payment -in -lieu -of -services program. Commissioner Snook stated that, for fiscal year 2000, Smithsburg would receive $28,028. The Commissioners then discussed items of interest to the Smithsburg officials. Commissioner Snook asked the Town to consider adopting the County's Animal Control Ordinance and road standards. He informed them that the proposed CIP for 2002-2007 includes an upgrade in the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2005-2006 to bring it up to MDE guidelines. Commissioner Snook also asked the Mayor and Council if they are interested in entering into an arrangement for use of the new Forty West Landfill. He stated that the County would provide more information on this in the future. FEBRUARY 13, 2001 PAGE SEVEN ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney County Clerk