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HomeMy WebLinkAbout010403April 2, 2001 Hagerstown, Maryland FISCAL YEAR 2002 BOARD OF EDUCATION BUDGET HEARING The evening session was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Western heights Middle School 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. Also present were Board of Education members Dori Nipps, Edward Forrest, Roxanne Ober, Bernadette Wagner, and Mary Wilfong. Ms. Wagner welcomed the Commissioners and provided an overview of the Board of Education's total budget request for fiscal year 2002. Roxanne Ober, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, stated that the total request for County funding is $70,756,854 or $10,490,219 in "new" money. Ms. Nipps and Ms. Ober then reviewed the challenges faced by the Board, their achievements in improving test scores, and cost- cutting measures they are considering. The priorities of the Board of Education are as follows: salary improvements - $5,295,932; health insurance increases - $2,344,550; purchase of 16 replacement school buses - $896,000; fuel cost adjustment for contract bus drivers - $74,875; increase in workshop pay for teachers - $53,460; elementary leadership compensation - $34,560; photocopier contract rental increase - $64,400; utility increases - $350,000; general one percent inflationary increase - $120,873; increase in special education private placements - $679,000; increase in sports officiating - $7,971; employee recognition incentive awards - $5,000; signing bonuses - $35,000; additional tuition reimbursement - $50,000; additional buses (3) - $168,000; four additional bus contracts to eliminate double runs in Hancock - $138,000; Abacus maintenance fees - $24,660; increased cost of workers' compensation - $101,853; and increased cost of property/casualty self-insurance - $45,365. Following the presentation, the meeting was opened for questions and comments from the County Commissioners. The meeting was then opened for comments from the public. After hearing all comments, Commissioner Snook stated that the hearing on the County budget is scheduled for May 8 at the Kepler Theater at Hagerstown Community College. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. County Administrator County Attorney Clerk April 3, 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 Snook, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag by the full assemblage. APPROVAL OF MINUTES — MARCH 27, 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve the minutes of March 27, 2001, as amended. Unanimously approved. PROCLAMATION - FAIR HOUSING AWARENESS MONTH Commissioner Snook presented Pat McMillian, Director of the Community Housing Resource Board (CHRB), and Joe Kuhna, President of the Board of Directors of CHRB, with a proclamation designating April 2001 as Fair Housing Awareness Month in Washington County and commending this observance to all citizens. Pat McMillian thanked the Commissioners for APRIL 3, 2001 PAGE TWO the proclamation and distributed copies of the new Washington County Landlord -Tenant Handbook and Housing Resource Guide. FY 2002 GENERAL FUND OPERATING BUDGET DISCUSSIONS The Commissioners met with Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, to continue discussions of the fiscal year 2002 general fund budget. Ms. Bastian provided a summary of adjustments made to date. She reviewed the variance between the FY 2001 budget and proposed FY 2002 budget. She indicated that, as of this date, the shortfall is $1.693 million. The Commissioners discussed the request made by the Board of Education at the public hearing and their priorities. They discussed salaries and asked for additional information on step increases received by Board of Education employees and the amount of the one percent match provided through the Governor's challenge grant. The Commissioners agreed to fully fund the County portion of the Governor's challenge and cost of living increases for classified employees and administrative and support personnel. The Commissioners discussed cutting $1.6 million from the request for an approximate 7% increase over FY 01. The Commissioners also discussed the request made by the Sheriff's deputies and the recommendations prioritized by the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. The Commissioners agreed that the fee charged for deputies providing services to outside agencies should cover the costs of overtime. The Commissioners agreed to discuss the general fund budget in more detail on April 10 and to review the recommendations made by staff for final budget adjustments before finalizing the budget for presentation at the public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING - WATER & SEWER RATES - FISCAL YEAR 2002 A public hearing to consider the proposed rates for water and sewer service for FY 2002 was called to order at 9:45 a.m. Also present were Water & Sewer Advisory Commission President Christopher Diehl and Commission member Gordon Crabb. Greg Murray, Director of the Water and Sewer Department, reviewed the recommendation for a two percent sewer revenue increase and changes in the sewer allocation fees for joint service for fiscal year 2002. He stated that the average residential customer would pay $1.84 more per quarter. The only option presented for the water fund was a zero percent increase in water rates. Mr. Murray reviewed the following recommendations for allocation fee increases: Sewer Full Service - FY 2002 - $3,000, FY 2003 - $3,250 and FY 2003 - $3,500; Water Full Service - FY 2002 - $1,700 and FY 2003 - $1,950; Meter Fees - 5/8" - $325, 3-4" - $475, 1" - $625, and 11-2" - $1,075; Sewer Joint Service - FY 2002 - $2,550 and FY 2003 - $2,800; and Joint Service - FY 2002 - $2,100, FY 2003 $2,100, and FY 04 - $2,100. Richard Douglas, County Attorney, reviewed the resolution setting a fee of $25 for bad checks. Mr. Douglas stated that he believes the fee is in line with that charged by many other businesses and governmental agencies. The Commissioners then discussed the recommendations and options presented. The hearing was then opened for public comment. There was no one present who wished to comment. Commissioner Snook stated that the record would be held open for ten (10) days in order to receive any written comments. The public hearing was adjourned at 10:04 a.m. PUBLIC HEARING - AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION DISTRICT APPLICATIONS The Commissioners convened a public hearing to consider applications AD -00-011 and AD -00-012. Eric Seifarth, Farmland Preservation Planner, reviewed the applications. He stated that they have been approved by the Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board and that the Planning Commission has found that granting the applications would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The hearing was then opened for public comment. There was no one present to speak in favor of or in opposition to the applications. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Swartz, to approve application AD -00-011, submitted by John B. Clagett, et al. and APRIL 3, 2001 PAGE THREE application AD -00-012, submitted by Samuel C. Hunter, for 10 -year agricultural land preservation districts as presented. Unanimously approved. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION John Kleppinger discussed the need for a traffic signal at the intersection of Security Road and Eastern Boulevard. Commissioner Snook stated that funding is budgeted for signalization at the intersection. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed Mr. Kleppinger that the County's plans are being reviewed by the railroad and have not yet been approved. Mr. Kleppinger commended the Commissioners and Mr. Rohrer for doing an excellent job at the Forty West landfill. (Commissioner Snook was excused from the meeting at 10:33 a.m. and Vice President Swartz assumed the chair.) HOTEL/MOTEL TAX FUNDING REQUEST Ben Hart, Executive Director of the Hagerstown -Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), appeared before the Board to request funding from hotel rental tax proceeds for two events that will be held in Washington County this year. Mr. Hart informed the Commissioners that the 82nd National Convention of the Society of 40&8 will be held on September 8-15 and the American Junior Golf Association National Tournament will be held on September 20-23. Mr. Hart explained that $41,000 is needed for a reception and parade for the 40&8 Convention and approximately $15,000-$20,000 is needed for the Junior Golf Association Tournament. He asked the Commissioners for $50,000 from the hotel rental tax special projects fund to subsidize the costs associated with these two events. Mr. Hart reviewed the revenues the CVB anticipates receiving from the hotel rental tax and the breakdown of anticipated expenditures for these two events. The Commissioners explained that a number of requests have been received for these funds. They also noted that $195,000 has been allocated to pay for a study done by the Maryland Stadium Authority. After discussion, it was the consensus of the Commissioners to take the request under consideration during the budget deliberations. RENEWAL OF COOPERATIVE REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT - CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT Captain Carroll Keller and Lieutenant Douglas Mullendore, representing the Washington County Sheriff's Department, introduced Richard Jamieson, President of Cost Plans Plus, LLC. Captain Keller stated that the current contract with the Sheriff's Department provides for a $30 service fee for paperwork associated with child support enforcement. Lt. Mullendore estimated that revenues would total $20,500 for FY 2002. Mr. Jamieson informed the Commissioners that the law was changed to allow the County to use an "actual cost reimbursement" method of collection. Lt. Mullendore stated that, if the County decides to utilize this method, two deputies would be dedicated to child support enforcement and would be funded at 630. However, they would need an additional deputy to fill these positions. Mr. Jamieson made a presentation to the Commissioners on the present method of reimbursement for child support. He stated that the full-service contract assesses the actual cost of serving and processing warrants for child support and 660 of costs are reimbursed by the State. He estimated collections of approximately $112,000-$120,000 of which the County would receive approximately $70,000. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Schnebly, to renew the cooperative reimbursement agreement for child support enforcement, institute a full-service contract for actual cost reimbursement, and approve hiring one new deputy to replace the two deputies who will be assigned to child support enforcement. After discussion, the motion was amended to approve the program for a one-year period and to evaluate the program and its effect on the general fund budget at the end of that time. The motion, as amended, was unanimously approved. APRIL 3, 2001 PAGE FOUR OPERATIONAL STATUS OF JUDY CENTER PROGRAM John Festerman, Director of Elementary Education; Paula Athey, Supervisor of Early Childhood Education; and John Brown, Jr., Program Officer for the Judy Center, met with the Commissioners to provide an update on the operational status of the Judith P. Hoyer Early Education Center (Judy Center) Program. (Commissioner Snook returned to the meeting at 11:27 a.m. and assumed the chair.) Mr. Festerman informed the Commissioners that the Judy Center has been in operation since February and that they are now serving 110 students and 51 families. He stated that the grant is funded through the Maryland State Department of Education and used to provide comprehensive early childhood education as well as services to children and their families. Ms. Athey provided background information and stated that the project goal is to assure that children enter school ready to learn. Mr. Brown then presented a slide presentation on the program. He indicated that there are 13 programs in the State and that the program provides a comprehensive service delivery. Mr. Brown then outlined the process used to evaluate the services provided and the outcome. He reviewed the status of the project and funding sources and presented the Commissioners with copies of the first- quarter report. The Commissioners thanked the group for their presentation. COMMUNITY SERVICE WORK CREW SUPERVISOR GRANT Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to request renewal for third -year grant funding from the State of Maryland in the amount of $25,523 to fund the salary of a Work Crew Supervisor for the Community Service Program. Unanimously approved. RECESS- LUNCH The Commissioners recessed at 11:59 a.m. for lunch. AFTERNOON SESSION The afternoon session was called to order at 1:12 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, Jr., and William J. Wivell. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Swartz informed the Commissioners that he attended the ribbon -cutting ceremony for the new Hagerstown Community College Center at the Valley Mall. He stated that he also attended the joint meeting with the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association and the Board of Education budget presentation. Commissioner Schnebly stated that he met with Williamsport citizens against the truck stop. He stated that he and Commissioner Snook attended the MACO Legislative Committee meeting. Commissioner Iseminger met with representatives from the Smithsburg Ambulance Company and the Washington County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association. He attended the Board of Education budget presentation. Commissioner Iseminger also reminded the Board that the first meeting on proposed school consolidation is scheduled for April 9. Commissioner Snook stated that he attended a meeting at the Hagerstown Regional Airport regarding foreign trade zones. He informed the Commissioners that he met with Lester Guthorn, the County's Financial Advisor, to begin development of a plan to upgrade the County's bond rating. Commissioner Snook also reported on meetings of the Chamber of Commerce and the MACO Legislative Committee. Commissioner Schnebly agreed to attend the AmVets Convention to deliver welcoming remarks on behalf of the County Commissioners. APRIL 3, 2001 PAGE FIVE REPORTS FROM COUNTY STAFF Debra Bastian, Director of Finance, informed the Commissioners that Smith Elliott Kearns & Company would be working with the Gaming Commission on internal procedures and software. She reported on the resignation of an Accounting Supervisor in her Department. Alan Davis, Director of Human Resources, stated that he attended a health care vendor fair. He informed the Commissioners that the County would be holding a class on labor relations on April 26. Mr. Davis stated that the health insurance bid is scheduled for award later in the session. Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works, informed the Commissioners that he met with Judge Wright, Dennis Weaver, and Lt. Hafer for a review of the Circuit Court renovations and met with representatives from the City of Hagerstown regarding improvements to the alley behind the County Office Building. He stated that some traffic counts have been done on Governor Lane Boulevard. Mr. Rohrer provided an update on the Landis Road project. Robert Arch provided an update on the Civil War trails project. He reported on the Civil War Heritage Area plan. Mr. Arch stated that his staff has started to schedule public meetings for review of the Comprehensive Plan. He informed the Board that the Program Open Space conversion process has begun for the Ditto Knolls property. He stated that he met with City staff to review MPO alignment projects. EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT FY 2001 Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to approve submission of the Emergency Shelter Grant application to the Department of Housing & Community Development in the amount of $50,000 that would provide funding for the Community Action Council, CASA, St. John's Shelter, and REACH, Inc. for shelter maintenance and operation and homelessness prevention. Unanimously approved. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS Rodney Shoop, County Administrator, provided an update on the Sharpsburg Pike sewer project. He also reported on the Municipal League meeting. APPOINTMENT - GAMING COMMISSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Iseminger, to appoint Leroy "Pete" Kinman to the Gaming Commission for a two-year term. Unanimously approved. CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION Motion made by Commissioner Swartz, seconded by Schnebly, to convene in closed session at 2:00 p.m. to discuss the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and to consult with counsel to obtain advice concerning pending or potential litigation, all 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 Schnebly, seconded by Swartz, to reconvene in open session at 2:43 p.m. Unanimously approved. In closed session, the Commissioners discussed one (1) matter relating to the acquisition of real property for a public purpose and consulted with counsel to obtain advice on a matter of pending or potential litigation. 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; Richard Douglas, County Attorney; John Martirano, Assistant County Attorney; Joni Bittner, County Clerk; Dean Lowry, Real Property Administrator; Gary Rohrer, Director of Public Works; Greg Murray, Director of the Water & Sewer Department; Jim Bishop, Water & Sewer Operations Coordinator; and Russell Marks, Esq., Gilbert, Marks & DiGirolamo, P.A. APRIL 3, 2001 PAGE SIX AWARD OF HEALTH CARE CONTRACT - JOINT MEETING WITH BOARD OF EDUCATION AND HAGERSTOWN COMMUNITY COLLEGE Alan Davis, Director of the Human Resources Department and Mike Marchini, Senior Employee Benefits Consultant with CBIZ/BGS&G, appeared before the Commissioners to present the recommendation for group health insurance for the Board of County Commissioners, Board of Education, and Hagerstown Community College (HCC). Mr. Davis reviewed the process used by the Coordinating Committee to make its recommendation. He then introduced the other members who served on the Coordinating Committee: Washington County - Rodney Shoop, Chairman; Karen Luther, Purchasing Agent, Debra Bastian, Director of Finance; Gina Paylor, Benefits Coordinator; Board of Education - Phil Ray, Human Resources Director and Chris South, Finance Director; HCC - Rosemary Falck, Human Resources Director and Anna Barker, Administrative Services. Mr. Marchini then reviewed the timeline of events and the cost analysis summary. He stated that it was the unanimous decision of the Coordinating Committee to recommend CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield for the Board of Education and the County and to recommended Maury Donnelly and Parr (HCC's incumbent carrier) for HCC. Mr. Marchini informed the Commissioners that if the recommendation is accepted that the Board of Education is projected to realize total savings of $60,280 per year and that there could be additional savings through benefits restructuring. The County could realize savings of $147,366. Mr. Marchini explained the reasons why the bid from CareFirst was not recommended for HCC. At this time the meeting was opened for questions and discussion regarding the recommendation. Mr. Ray stated that the Board of Education is requesting a $2.3 million increase for insurance costs with $750,000 being used to replace the reserve account. He stated that they are looking into ways to reduce costs. Wayne Alter, member of the Board of Trustees for HCC, suggested that the group should develop a long-range plan to combine all three entities under standardized benefits since the County essentially funds all three agencies. Mr. Ray stated that the Board of Education hopes to award the bid at its next meeting. Members of the HCC Board of Trustees indicated that the recommendation would be approved at their April 24 meeting. Commissioner Snook thanked all of the individuals for their participation on the Coordinating Committee. Motion made by Commissioner Iseminger, seconded by Wivell, to award the contract for employee health insurance for Washington County to CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, which submitted the low responsive, responsible bid, effective July 1, 2001 for County employees. Unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Commissioner Wivell, seconded by Schnebly, to adjourn at 4:01 p.m. Unanimously approved. County Administrator County Attorney Clerk