Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout010220February 20, 2001 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 Gregory I. Snook with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Invocation was delivered by Commissioner Schnebly, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 6 & 13, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the minutes of February 6 and 13, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. BUDGET TRANSFER REQUEST - AIRPORT STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to approve the transfer of $70,000 from the CIP contingency fund to the Airport Stormwater Management Project (30-10500-ADM002) due to the amount of unanticipated material to be excavated and backfilled. Unanimously approved. BID AWARD - LEASE/PURCHASE OF TWO OFF-ROAD ARTICULATED DUMP TRUCK HAULERS Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Iseminger, to award the contract for the lease/purchase of two off-road articulated dump truck haulers to Alban Tractor Co., Inc., which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid meeting specifications for an annual payment for five years of $173,720, with the option upon receiving written confirmation to pay a reduced annual payment due to a lower interest rate of 51-o for an estimated annual payment of $156,560. Motion carried with Commissioners Schnebly, Iseminger, Swartz, and Snook voting "AYE" and Commissioner Wivell voting "NO." NATIONAL FREEDOM AWARD PRESENTATION - GARDEN STATE TANNING, INC. The regional Employer Support Freedom Award was presented by Brigadier General (Ret.) Edward Clark to Ernest Inmon, President and CEO of Garden State Tanning, Inc., along with Kerry O'Toole, Chuck Boyer, and Sgt. Douglas Mason, in recognition of the exceptional support that Garden State Tanning has given to its employees in the National Guard and Reserve. This is the highest award given in the "Reward Your Employer" program of the National Guard and Reserve. Also in attendance for the presentation was U.S. Congressman Roscoe Bartlett. He commended Garden State Tanning for going above and beyond the requirements of the law to support their employees in the National Guard and Reserves. Commissioner Snook thanked the company representatives for giving back to the community. BUDGET PRESENTATION - HAGERSTOWN REGIONAL AIRPORT Carolyn Motz, Airport Manager, presented the Airport budget for FY 2002 in the total amount of $1,147,560. Ms. Motz explained that only $20,000 is being requested from the general fund for airfield rescue and firefighting. She highlighted the projected revenues and reviewed the major changes in budget categories and line items and the reasons for the proposed increases. The Commissioners discussed the proposed two percent increase in T - hangar fees. Ms. Motz informed the Commissioners that they would be presenting a package to the Commissioners in the near future to include a model for calculating increases in rates and charges at the Airport. She stated that they hope to have the model in place for next fiscal year. Debra Bastian stated that the Airport needs to establish a reserve account for long-term maintenance needs. Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, informed the Commissioners that there has been discussion of transferring Greg Larsen, Marketing Specialist for the Pretreatment Plant, to the Airport to handle marketing there. He stated that it would be discussed in more detail at next week's meeting when personnel recommendations are presented. FEBRUARY 20, 2001 PAGE TWO BUDGET PRESENTATION - TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT Kevin Cerrone, Transit Manager, reviewed an operating summary of revenues and expenditures for the County Commuter. He indicated that this is primarily funded by fare box revenues and State and Federal grants, although a General Fund contribution is required as a matching fund for the grants. Mr. Cerrone presented the proposed budget for FY 2002 in the total amount of $1,568,408. He stated that the requested General Fund appropriation for FY 2002 is $278,019, which represents a decrease from last year's appropriation. Mr. Cerrone explained that the Department of Social Services JOBS Program has helped tremendously. He described the changes he anticipates in the State funding formula and stated that a revenue match will probably be required from the County due to decreased State funding, although Federal funding may also increase. At this time, the meeting was opened for questions from the Commissioners. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION Mike Nye, Acting Director of Community Rescue Service (CRS), submitted a letter to the Commissioners requesting the CRS receive the same annual payment of $20,000 for their Maugansville substation as the substation of the Boonsboro Volunteer Fire Company will receive. Commissioner Iseminger informed Mr. Nye that the recommendation should come to the Commissioners through the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association (WCVFRA). Robert Harsh, owner of County Medical Transport, reported on the status of the safety concerns he brought before the Commissioners at the January 30 meeting. He reiterated his concerns regarding volunteer EMS companies providing non- emergency transport and competing with private industry. Commissioner Snook stated that he spoke to officials from the Washington County Hospital regarding their policy for transporting patients. Commissioner Iseminger indicated that the County has requested that the WCVFRA render a position statement on this issue. BUDGET PRESENTATION - BLACK ROCK GOLF COURSE Roger Finn, Chairperson of the Public Golf Corporation Board of Directors, presented the FY 2002 budget request for Black Rock Golf Course in the amount of $1,157,836. He projected a decrease in revenue due to the number of new golf courses opening in the area. Mr. Finn noted that Black Rock does not require a General Fund contribution. Mr. Finn complimented Darrell Whittington, Director of Golf, and John Kain, Course Superintendent, for doing such a fine job. The meeting was then opened for questions from the Commissioners. RETIREMENT PLAN LANGUAGE AMENDMENTS Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, met with the Commissioners to present an amendment to the language in the County's retirement plan. Mr. Davis explained the current process and recommended that the Commissioners adopt a third condition that must be met in order for an employee to be eligible for service -connected disability benefits under Article VI, Section 6.4 (b) (ii) as follows: "(C) the Participant is eligible for disability benefits under the provisions of the federal Social Security Act as in effect on the date s/he otherwise becomes eligible for disability benefits under this Section 6.4 (b) ." Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Iseminger, to approve an amendment to the County Retirement Plan adding the following condition for eligibility for long-term disability benefits: "the Participant is eligible for disability benefits under the provisions of the federal Social Security Act as in effect on the date s/he otherwise becomes eligible for disability benefits under this Section 6.4(b)." Unanimously approved. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Iseminger reported on meetings with the local Delegation to the General Assembly last week, the joint City/County Tax Setoff Committee, and the Public Golf Corporation Board of Directors. Commissioner Wivell had several questions on the auditor's report. He stated that he attended the Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company banquet. FEBRUARY 20, 2001 PAGE THREE Commissioner Schnebly reported on the meetings of the Airport Commission and the City/County Water and Sewer subcommittee. Commissioner Swartz reported on the meeting of the Open Space Task Force for the University System of Maryland. He thanked Commissioner Wivell and his parents for providing dinner for the Commissioners before last Tuesday's evening session. Commissioner Swartz stated that he attended the Maryland Theatre Board meeting and the Commission on Aging meeting. He also reported that he participated in the adult spelling bee contest. Commissioner Snook circulated correspondence he received from the Department of the Environment on the wetlands restoration program. He reviewed items discussed at the MACO legislative committee meeting. Commissioner Snook also reported on the Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company banquet. REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, addressed the concerns raised by Mr. Harsh regarding Natural Well Road and Neck Road. He provided an update on the clean up of the Ditto Knolls property and the work on the Street Acceptance policy. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, informed the Commissioners that the Coordinating Committee would be meeting on the health insurance bids this week. He stated that the Local Management Board is working on a five-year community partnership strategic plan. He indicated that he attended a Maryland Motor Truckers Association dinner to hear about the new Department of Transportation guidelines. Mr. Davis informed the Commissioners that the first review of new personnel requests is scheduled for next week. Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development, stated that he met with the Friends of the Agricultural Education Center Museum Committee last week. He stated that a cost proposal is being development for the building on French Lane and that he is working to finalize the last couple of chapters of the Comprehensive Plan. Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, stated the Gaming Commission made its distribution last week. She informed the Commissioners that, under the new GASB 34 requirements, Board of Education and Hagerstown Community College capital projects will be recorded as debts to the County. However, since the County does not own the assets, the projects will be designated with a negative fund balance. Ms. Bastian provided an overview of the General Fund budget submittal that has $9 million in new requests. RECESS - LUNCHEON WITH LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS The Commissioners recessed at 12:02 p.m. in order to attend a luncheon held by the League of Women Voters. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:34 p.m. by President Gregory I. Snook, with the following members present: Vice President Paul L. Swartz and Commissioners John L. Schnebly, and Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr. DISCUSSION - REVISED STREET ACCEPTANCE POLICY (S-3) Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, met with the Commissioners to continue the review of the revised Street Acceptance Policy (S-3) which was initially presented at the meeting on February 6, 2001. Mr. Rohrer stated that the County Attorney has informed him that a legal instrument would be needed to permit access to the rights-of-way by a third party in the event of default by a developer prior to completion. He informed the Commissioners that Mr. Douglas has presented them with a restructured version of the policy and that they will evaluate it before bringing it back to them for review. (Commissioner Wivell arrived at the meeting at 1:53 p.m.) FEBRUARY 20, 2001 PAGE FOUR Mr. Rohrer provided an update on the current discussions with the consultants and homebuilders and related some of the issues being discussed with them. He stated that the general consensus of those present at the meetings was that some type of quality control is appropriate, but that there are questions regarding the level of inspection necessary and how to deal with costs. Mr. Rohrer indicated that he is compiling information from other jurisdictions on how they handle these issues. He suggested that a committee be appointed to resolve issues on an as -needed basis. Richard Douglas, County Attorney, stated that the County would need to have the authority to move in and have the project completed in accordance with the approved plans if the contractor defaults. The meeting was then opened for discussion and questions on the revised policy. CHURCH STREET EXTENSION PROJECT Mr. Rohrer provided an overview of the Church Street extension project. He stated that the road extension of 700 linear feet would lengthen the road to the proposed site for the expansion of the elderly housing complex. He estimated that the cost for construction and utilities would be $408,000. There is approximately $275,000 remaining in the CIP account allocated for this project. Mr. Rohrer informed the Commissioners that it would cost $16,000 to have the project re -engineered to be done as a separate project rather than as part of the elderly housing expansion project. Richard Willson, Director of the Washington County Housing Authority, stated that they have recently learned that there is $10 million available in a statewide pool and that they will be submitting an application for funds to expand the elderly housing complex in Williamsport. He estimated that the extension of Church Street would cost $240,000 if it is constructed as part of the housing project. Mr. Willson provided information on the status of the timetable. He indicated that it would be preferable for the road extension and the housing project to be constructed at the same time. He anticipated beginning construction three to four months after they receive notification that the project has been approved. Mr. Willson stated that the Housing Authority would like to claim $100,000 of the money that the County has budgeted for the project. Mr. Shoop suggested that a detailed analysis of the project be completed to determine funding sources and to outline the County's responsibilities. It was agreed that the street extension should be included as part of the Housing Authority's project. TRANSFER OF PROPERTY - CHESAPEAKE CONFERENCE ASSOCIATION OF SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISTS Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve an exchange of property between the Water & Sewer Department and the Chesapeake Conference Association of Seventh Day Adventists, as presented, to allow a wellhead to be located on County property in the Mt. Aetna Water District. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to convene in closed session at 3:20 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 Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 3:45 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed two (2) personnel issues. 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; and Robert Arch, Director of Planning & Community Development. FEBRUARY 20, 2001 PAGE FIVE APPOINTMENT - ANIMAL CONTROL AUTHORITY Motion made by Commissioner Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to appoint the following individuals to the Animal Control Authority: Daniel Murphy, D.V.M., and Thomas DiGirolamo, Esq. (three-year terms), Gerald Ditto and Rollan Myers (two-year terms), and Kelli Flook (one-year term). Unanimously approved. RECESS The Commissioners recessed at 3:50 p.m. JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF HAGERSTOWN The Commissioners met with Hagerstown Mayor Robert Bruchey and City Council members William Breichner, Al Boyer, Lewis Metzner, and Wallace McClure at City Hall at 4:10 p.m. Tax Setoff - City of Hagerstown 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 program. He then reviewed the calculations made for the services included in the program - parks, highways, and police. Commissioner Snook stated that for fiscal year 2001 the City is estimated to receive $813,646. Commissioner Wivell and Councilman Boyer gave a brief update on the Tax Setoff Committee meetings. They indicated that Debra Bastian, Finance Director for Washington County, and Alfred Martin, Finance Director for the City of Hagerstown, are doing a detailed analysis of the method used by Anne Arundel County. Mr. Martin stated that they feel that it is a comprehensive and fair model and is easily understandable. He estimated that it would take several months until their research is completed. Commissioner Wivell explained that there would be two rates adopted using this method, a countywide rate and a municipal rate. Emergency Services Council - Recommendations on Comprehensive Study of Fire and Emergency Medical Services Delivery Commissioner Iseminger, 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 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 citizens. He provided the Mayor and Council with a copy of the report and briefly reviewed the recommendations made by the ESC. The meeting was then opened for questions and discussion on the report. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Wivell, to adjourn at 5:00 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney Clerk County